Purpose: to compare the clinical performance of endocrowns versus the fiber posts with composite cores used in restoring endodontically treated 1st permanent molar in children using FDI criteria.
Materials& Methods: A single blind and parallel group study carried on 28 patients in the age group 10–13 years visiting endodontic clinic at MSA University seeking endodontic treatment of their decayed 1st lower molars. One week after completing endodontic treatment, patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: Group A (n=14): received lithium disilicate (IPS. emax-press) endocrowns & Group B (n=14): received glass fiber post with composite core. A clinical evaluation of debonding, fracture, caries and patient satisfaction was performed by a single examiner. Each was scored from 1 to 5 according to FDI where; 1 was clinically very good, and 5 was a clinically poor restoration that must be replaced. Patients were evaluated and recalled regularly at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.
Results: Regarding the restoration debonding and fracture; group A(endocrowns) showed 100% survival throughout all periods of follow up while group B (glass fiber posts with composite cores) showed decrease in survival rate over time. As for evaluation of caries and patient satisfaction; both groups were not statistically significant different.
Conclusion: Endocrowns can be considered a clinically successful restoration for endodontically treated teeth in general and the concept can be adapted to the endodontically treated teeth in children.
Clinical significant: Although more studies with increased sample size and long term follow-up are still required, endocrowns can be a permanent restorative option for endodontically treated 1st permanent molar in young age with a high success rates.