Strong and highly radiopaque fiber-optic dental post offers superior light translucency, optimal esthetics, and dentin-like elasticity,The philosophy behind restorative posts has changed. It used to be that when placing a crown after root canal therapy, dentists preferred a rigid post that would bond solidly with the tooth structure and the crown. But as better ,techniques have evolved for restoring a tooth, the role of the post has evolved, too. Now, the ideal post must transmit light well, show up clearly on a radiograph, bond tightly to a variety of cements, and flex with the dentin of the remaining tooth structure.,That’s why I’m so excited about the Super Fiber Post developed by iLumi Sciences. I’ve tested it in my lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and also have used it in my practice, so I can safely say that any time you need a post, this is the one to use.,iLumi Sciences is a medical spinoff of a fiber-optics manufacturer, which means their glass-fiber posts are designed to optimize transmission of light compared to standard fiber posts. It surprises me how well it transmits light all the way down to the apex. You can apply your preferred cement, be it resin or glass ionomer, with good polymerization from apex to crown.,It also has 5x higher radiopacity than standard fiber posts, so it really shows up well on a radiograph. You can apply your cement, place the post, verify placement by radiograph, and then light cure the cement. That means a 1-step post-and-core buildup, which saves time and ensures precise post placement.,This fiber post is about as strong as stainless steel (1,000 MPa flexural strength) yet also about as elastic as dentin (20 GPa on Young’s Modulus of Elasticity). So, it works with the tooth structure to resist fractures caused by compression and shearing pressures.,Finally, in cases of retreatment, it is easy to remove. Because the fiber is softer than the surrounding dentin, an ultrasonic instrument or Peeso Reamer tends to follow the fiber post rather than enlarge the canal and perhaps perforate the tooth
