Class I and II posterior composite resin restorations after 5 and 10 years

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Clinical Dentistry

Background:

• Composite resins are widely used for posterior restorations.
• Long-term clinical performance data for specific composite materials are crucial for evidence-based practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the 5- and 10-year clinical performance of Class I and Class II posterior composite restorations.
• To evaluate two different composite materials, one radiopaque and one non-radiopaque.

Main Methods:

• 137 Class I (45) and Class II (92) restorations were placed in premolars and molars by experienced clinicians.
• Restorations were evaluated using U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria after 5 years and dentist-reported documentation after 10 years.
• Follow-up rates were 93% (127/137) at 5 years and 85% (117/137) at 10 years.

Main Results:

• After 5 years, 114 (90%) of evaluated restorations were clinically functional.
• After 10 years, 92 (79%) of evaluated restorations remained clinically functional.
• No significant difference in performance was noted between the radiopaque and non-radiopaque materials.

Conclusions:

• Both tested composite materials demonstrated favorable long-term clinical performance for posterior restorations.
• Radiopacity did not appear to influence the 10-year clinical success rate of these composite materials.
• These findings support the use of composite resins in stress-bearing posterior restorations.