Fracture Resistance of Immature Teeth Submitted to Different Endodontic Procedures and Restorative Protocols

Introduction: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine whether the methods used to treat endodontically and restore anterior immature teeth with a necrotic pulp influence their resistance to fracture. Methods: After access opening and cleaning and shaping, 80 specimen teeth were assigned into 5 groups according to the endodontic obturation method and coronal restoration as follows: A1, apexification with a composite restoration in the crown area; A2, apexification with a composite restoration in the crown and 3 mm into the root; IR, immediate revascularization with a composite restoration in the crown area; SR, successful revascularization with a composite in the crown area; and the control group, a mature tooth treated with gutta-percha and sealer with a composite restoration in the crown area. The teeth were mounted in acrylic blocks and brought to fracture under compressive forces in a universal testing machine. Both the fracture strength and the location where the fracture occurred were recorded. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the fracture resistance among the 5 groups (1-way analysis of variance, F-4 = .545, P = .703). No statistically significant differences were found in the location where the fracture occurred either (chi(2)(4) = 4.1, P = .391). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that the treatment options used to treat nonvital immature teeth provided the same resistance to fracture.