Cast Post Root Fracture — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateRestorative DentistryCast Post Root FractureORE Part 1

In a root-treated tooth restored with a custom cast metal post and core, which is the most frequent clinical mode of failure?

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Correct answer: A — Loss of retention

The correct answer is A, loss of retention. A 10-year retrospective study of 802 custom-fabricated cast post-and-core restorations found loss of retention to be the most common complication and cause of failure. This usually reflects inadequate resistance/retention form, insufficient post length or canal adaptation, or failure at the luting interface. Root fracture is a serious, often catastrophic complication of rigid metal posts, but it is not the most frequent failure mode. Post fracture can occur but is less common than debonding or decementation. Corrosion is not a usual principal clinical failure mode for cast posts, and cement dissolution is better regarded as a possible contributor to loss of retention rather than a separate most frequent outcome.

Reference: Naumann M, et al. Survival time of cast post and cores: a 10-year retrospective study. Journal of Dentistry. 2006. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16750593/