Fracture of restorative composite is reported as a common reason for replacement. Due to failures of this kind, it is still controversial whether restorative composites should be used in large, high-stress-bearing applications, such as in direct posterior restorations. The high brittleness of current composites hinders their use in large stress-bearing areas. Thus, recently short fiber-reinforced composite was introduced as dental restorative composite resin. The aim of the article is to evaluate shear bond strength of fiber-reinforced composite (everX Posterior) and methacrylate-based composite (FILTEK Z250) to pure tricalcium silicate-based cement (biodentine).

Acrylic blocks (n = 30) with 2 mm high and 5 mm diameter central holes were prepared. The samples were taken and filled with biodentine and were divided into two groups containing 15 in each group. Group I: Fiber-reinforced composite. Group II: Methacrylate-based composite, which are layered over biodentine. The specimens are transferred to the universal testing machine and subjected to shear bond strength analysis at a cross-head speed of 1.0 mm/minute.

The bond strength values were significantly higher in case of fiber-reinforced composite when compared with methacrylate-based composite.

Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that the fiber-reinforced composite with biodentine had highest bond strength when compared with methacrylate-based composite.

Fiber-reinforced composite has excellent fatigue resistance because the embedded fibers are bonded to the polymer matrix and allow the stresses to be distributed effectively throughout the restoration. They are most suitable for applications in which the direction of highest stress is predictable. They are used in cavities with three or more surfaces missing and also in large-sized cavities. They are extensively used in cavities where inlays and onlays are prescribed.

Reddy RA, Basavanna RS. Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength of Fiber-reinforced Composite and Methacrylate-based Composite to Pure Tricalcium-based Cement. CODS J Dent 2016;8(1):25-27.