Clinical trials

This study compares two methods of restoring posterior teeth after root canal treatment. Traditionally, dentists use fiber posts and full coverage crowns, but this requires removing more tooth structure, which can weaken teeth further. A newer, more conservative option is the overlay, which preserves more of the natural tooth. While overlays appear promising, evidence is still limited, particularly for posterior teeth. The trial, conducted at Cairo University, will involve fifty patients aged 20-50 with properly root canal treated posterior teeth. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups: one receiving a fiber-reinforced composite with a lithium disilicate overlay (conservative method), and the other receiving a fiber post, composite core, and full coverage lithium disilicate crown (conventional method). The primary outcome will be tooth integrity after six months, evaluated with standardized criteria. Secondary outcomes include margin quality, discoloration, secondary decay, color matching, and patient satisfaction. Patients will be blinded to the treatment they receive, and data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.