MANAGEMENT OF GROSSLY DECAYED PRIMARY ANTERIORS USING VARIOUS INTRACANAL POST SYSTEMS: AN IN VIVO STUDY

Restoration of severely decayed primary maxillary anterior teeth is a big challenge to the pediatric dentist. For the management of such teeth, pedodontists must use intracanal posts such as prefabricated, orthodontic wire in α or Ω forms, metallic posts with macroretention, short posts with composite resin, polyethylene ribbon posts, and biologic posts.A total of 30 severely decayed primary maxillary anterior teeth from children aged 3 to 5 years with atleast one-third of the root present were selected. The teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups: Group1(Omega Post), Group 2(Biological Post) and Group 3(Glass Fibre Post). Retention, marginal adaptation and marginal discoloration were clinically evaluated during follow up of 3,6 and 9 month intervals.The results showed a significant difference in retention of Group I when intragroup comparison between baseline and 9 months time intervalwas done. However there was statistically non significant difference in retention of group II and III. A non significant result was seen in marginal adaptation and marginal discoloration of all three groups. Hence it was concluded that glass fibre post showed excellent results which allows its recommendation for management of grossly decayed anteriors with better esthetics and minimum discomfort to children.