The effect of interfacial failure around a class V composite restoration analysed by the finite element method

Partial failure around the tooth-composite interface of a class V restoration is common due to the effects of polymerization shrinkage. The effect that this has on the force distribution of the remaining intact interfaces has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect that partial failure of an isolated cavity wall interface had on the force distribution around the remaining intact interfaces of a class V composite restoration in a lower first premolar using a two-dimensional plane strain finite element model. Partial failure resulted in a 4-6-fold increase in peak tensile and shear forces compared to a tooth with a fully intact cavity wall interface. In some instances, the peak stresses were greater than the known bond strengths of composite to dentine.