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 stru ctural elements of restorations for the root filled tooth. The focus is upo n 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 experiment al facilities and procedures with respect to the modelling of the restorati on and application of the loads. After a predetermined number of load cycle s the modelled restoration is removed and examined in detail using microlea kage techniques. (C) 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers.