The ferrule effect

a literature review

Stankiewicz, N. R.
Wilson, P. R.

¹General Dental Practice, Bath, UK
²School of Dental Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

Correspondence: Associate Professor Peter R. Wilson, School of Dental Science, 711 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Vic 3000, Australia. (Tel.: +613 9341 0275; fax: +613 9341 0339; e-mail: [email protected]).

Received 30 November 2001; accepted 1 March 2002

International Endodontic Journal 35(7):p 575-581, July 2002.

Literature review

A ferrule is a metal ring or cap used to strengthen the end of a stick or tube. It has been proposed that the use of a ferrule as part of the core or artificial crown may be of benefit in reinforcing root-filled teeth. A review of the literature investigating this effect is presented. The literature demonstrates that a ferrule effect occurs owing to the artificial crown bracing against the dentine extending coronal to the crown margin. Overall, it can be concluded that a ferrule is desirable, but should not be provided at the expense of the remaining tooth/root structure.