Diana Diaconu-Popa, Monica Tatarciuc, Anca Vitalariu
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the fracture resistance of unprepared and restored teeth, comparing the compression behavior of two important materials used for inlay realization-composite resins and ceramics. 80 human teeth, were extracted due to periodontal or orthodontic reasons (40 premolars and 40 molars). The teeth were randomly divided into three groups. Each group contained 20 teeth – 10 premolars and 10 molars, and stored in water for one week.
The first group acted as unprepared, control group. The second group was prepared and received resin composite inlays and the third one received ceramic inlays. The teeth were loaded to failure using a testing machine through a 2 mm diameter stainless steel rod. The results demonstrate that the unrestored teeth have the higher fracture resistance. Statistical analyses show that there are no significant differences between the restorative materials: resin and ceramic. This study draw the conclusions that the fracture resistance is influenced by the material properties and the modality of forces transmission to the dental tissues.