Effect of different Intra-orifice Barrier Materials on the Fracture Strength of Endodontically Treated Teeth: An In vitro Study

Abstract

Background: Endodontically treated teeth are structurally compromised due to loss of tooth structure during access cavity, root canal preparation and dehydration of dentine. The pericervical dentin (PCD), located approximately 4 mm above and below the crestal bone, plays a critical role in stress distribution and tooth strength. Reinforcement of this region using intra-orifice barrier materials may improve fracture resistance and longevity of treated teeth. Aim: The present study evaluates the effect of different intra-orifice barrier materials on the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth by reinforcing the pericervical dentin. Study Design: In vitro experimental Study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, KVG dental college and hospital, Sullia India 574327, between November 2024 and December 2024. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 extracted human single-rooted teeth were decoronated to adjust working length at 14mm and prepared using standardized endodontic procedures up to F3. They were obturated using gutta-percha and resin sealer AH-Plus and samples were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): Group I: Amalgomer CR, (Advanced Healthcare Ltd (AHL)UK), Group II: Nano Hybrid Composite (Shofu Beautifil II, Shofu Dental Corporation, Japan) with Interlig (Angelus, Brazil) Group III: Biodentine,( Septodont,France)Group IV: Control (no reinforcement). After placement of the intra-orifice barrier materials according to manufacturer protocols, all specimens were subjected to compressive load testing using a universal testing machine until fracture occurred. Fracture strength was recorded in Newtons (N). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Results: Group II (Nano Hybrid Composite) showed significantly higher fracture strength compared to the other groups, followed by Group I(Amalgomer CR) and Group III(Biodentine). Group IV (control) showed least fracture strength compared to the other groups. (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Reinforcing the pericervical dentin region using intra-orifice barrier materials may improve fracture resistance and longevity of endodontically treated teeth. Nano Hybrid Composite significantly improves the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth among studied groups in vitro. This suggests that the choice of intra-orifice barrier material is critical for improving the structural integrity of treated teeth and may provide better clinical outcomes in restorative endodontics.