Fiber-Reinforced Dental Materials in the Restoration of Root-Canal Treated Teeth

Fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) are a group of lightweight metal-free dental materials characterized by their anisotropic nature. They are relatively low-cost, tooth-colored materials that are compatible with the use of adhesive and direct restorative techniques. Contemporary dental FRCs are predominantly based on glass fibers and dimethacrylate resins. For optimal clinical performance, it is crucial that the properties and behavior of these composite materials are well understood. In an FRC, the fibers provide strength and stiffness, while the matrix polymer binds the fibers together, forming a continuous phase around the reinforcement. For optimal mechanical properties, the fibers must be well adhered to and well impregnated by the matrix polymer. Other factors influencing the mechanical, optical, and bonding properties of FRCs include the type of fiber and matrix polymer, quantity, positioning, and orientation of fibers. Contemporary dental FRCs can be based on either unidirectional or multidirectional long continuous fibers or short discontinuous fibers. FRCs offer several benefits in restoring root-canal treated (RCT) teeth. Elastic modulus close to that of natural dentin, high tensile strength, and the suitability for cost-effective chairside techniques make fiber-reinforced composites well suited in the restoration of structurally compromised RCT teeth.