Background: The reconstruction of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) is frequently required before the accomplishment of a definitive restoration, especially when the remaining coronal tooth structure is inadequate to provide retention and resistance form for the restoration.
Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the stress distribution in premolar teeth restored with different posts using a single or multi-post technique with the help of three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA).
Materials and methods: The FEA was used in the investigation. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of mandibular 1st premolar was used to create a geometric model. With the help of HyperMesh software version 13.0, four finite element models were created. Model-1, endodontically treated mandibular premolar with single conventional fiber post (0.8 GC Fiber Post, GC Europe, Leuven, Belgium), Model-2, endodontically treated mandibular premolar with single everStick post (0.9 everStick POST, GC Europe, Belgium), Model-3, endodontically treated mandibular premolar with multiple conventional fiber posts, and Model-4, endodontically treated mandibular premolar with multiple everStick posts. ANSYS software version 12.1 was used for FEA.
Results: Following the analysis, von Mises stress (VMS) and principal stress values were obtained. Maximum VMS values were obtained on the buccal cusp of the crown. Between conventional fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post and everStick post, everStick post showed less stress, whereas between single and multiple post models, multiple post models showed more stress. The Principal stress values showed that the stress distribution within the crown, dentin, and posts was not significant to cause fracture of these materials.
Conclusion: Within the limitation of the study, and from the simulation results and summary table following conclusions were made:
• Stresses are less in everStick post compared to conventional FRC post.
• Single post showed lesser stress compared to multi-post method.
Clinical significance: Strengthening ETT with the use of single or multiple smaller diameter posts applying a minimally invasive approach for post space preparation. The study of stress distribution will help us in determining the failure criterion that leads to ETT fracture. It is significant because fracture is one of the most common causes of failure of ETT.