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Effect of post length and diameter on remaining dentine thickness in maxillary central and lateral incisors.

AIM
To investigate the effect of root canal and post-space preparation on the remaining dentine thickness in the apical region of maxillary central and lateral incisors.


METHODOLOGY
Fifty extracted maxillary incisors (25 centrals and 25 laterals) were mounted and then sectioned at two levels: 5 and 7 mm from the apex. Computerized images were obtained and a digital image analysis system was used to measure dentine thickness for each section at eight sites: labial, mesial, distal, palatal, mesio-labial, disto-labial, mesio-palatal and disto-palatal. Measurements were repeated at baseline and after both root canal and post-space preparation. Central and lateral incisors were divided into five groups each (n = 5) according to the drill used for post-space preparation: Groups 1 through 4 were prepared using Parapost drills sizes 4.5, 5, 5.5 and 6 respectively. For group 5, size 4 Gates Glidden was used.


RESULTS
For both teeth, and at the two levels there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between the baseline dentine thickness and that remaining after post-space preparation at all sites. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.007) between the remaining dentine thickness at 5 and 7 mm at all sites. The average amount of dentine removed ranged from 0.20 to 0.52 mm. In all groups, and for both teeth, some specimens had <1 mm of remaining dentine thickness.


CONCLUSIONS
Posts should be used carefully when restoring root filled maxillary incisors.