Development of a methodology for assessing the integrity of dental restorations

This paper describes an experimental methodology for assessing the combined effect of differing endodontic posts and cements, which are important structural elements of restorations for the root filled tooth. The focus is upon the strength of the restoration when subjected to cyclic combined direct and torsional shear forces at magnitudes and frequencies representative of those present during normal mastication. The paper describes the experimental facilities and procedures with respect to the modelling of the restoration and application of the loads. After a predetermined number of load cycles the modelled restoration is removed and examined in detail using microleakage techniques.