Longitudinal clinical evaluation of post systems: a literature review

In this survey, retrospective and prospective clinical studies dealing with cast-post-and core and fiber posts were reviewed regarding the rate of survival of restorations and the most prevalent failures. Electronic searches of the literature were performed in MEDLINE by crossing the key words: "Fiber post and clinical study", "Fiber post and clinical evaluation", "Cast post-and-core and clinical study", and "Root post and retrospective survival study". The cut-off dates were December 1990 through the end of December 2010. Review of literature showed that several interrelated biological, mechanical, and aesthetic factors are involved in the survival rate of restorative procedures in endodontically treated teeth, and post selection should fulfill and optimize these factors. Data based on long-term clinical studies are essential for the general practitioner when making clinical decisions. An adequate selection of teeth and post system must be made, and a minimal amount of existing tooth substance should be removed. A ferrule must be present for safe indication of the fiber posts. Fiber glass posts have demonstrated good survival in clinical studies, with similar performance to cast-post-and cores. Metallic posts have good clinical survival, but the associated failures are mostly irreversible, unlike what happens with the glass fiber posts.