Fabrication of a custom polyetherketoneketone post-and-core with digital technology

An ideal post material should have physical properties similar to those of dentin. Post materials with high elastic moduli may cause root fractures. This clinical report describes the treatment of a severely damaged tooth using a recently introduced material. Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) is a semicrystalline high-performance thermoplastic polymer. PEKK is a promising material for custom post-and-core fabrication because of its elasticity close to that of dentin, good shock absorbance, machinability, and low cost. A laboratory scanner was used to digitize the conventional impression of a severely damaged maxillary right first molar. A custom PEKK post-and-core was designed and milled using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology. Using the proposed technique, a custom PEKK post-and-core was fabricated accurately and human error was reduced. Restoration was luted with resin cement. Custom PEKK post-and-core restorations are a viable alternative for treating severely damaged teeth.