Fibre-based post systems: a review

OBJECTIVES: This article presents a review of published literature examining fibre-based endodontic post systems. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search was carried out for any articles in dental journals pertaining to fibre-based post systems. Wherever possible articles cited were obtained from the journals and where this was not possible abstracts were obtained. Where no abstract was available the article was not considered for evaluation. DATA EXTRACTION: Articles were reviewed by a single observer and subject to meeting inclusion criteria were included in the review. Fifty-nine articles were considered suitable for inclusion. DATA SYNTHESIS: Articles were divided into categories and a subjective description of the articles was made. CONCLUSIONS: Review indicated that (1) most published literature on fibre-based posts took the form of laboratory analyses; (2) evidence for carbon-fibre posts far exceeds that for quartz-fibre posts; (3) laboratory evidence was contradictory and could not be used to inform practice reliably; (4) few clinical studies have been carried out though these have suggested fibre based posts may be clinically appropriate for restoration of the endodontically treated tooth; and (5) controlled prospective clinical trials evaluating fibre-based posts should be undertaken to inform use for clinical practice.