Two-year clinical evaluation of a high-density posterior restorative material

The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate SureFil high-density posterior composite for Class 2 restorations of permanent first and second molars. All teeth were restored in occlusion with the natural dentition. After cavity preparation, the enamel was etched for 15 seconds with 34% phosphoric acid. No liner/base material was used for the dentin. Prime & Bond 2.1 (two applications) was applied for adhesion to the exposed dentin and etched enamel. The first coat of adhesive was cured for 20 seconds with a curing light and the next coat was only spread thin with a gentle jet of air. The cavity was restored in 3-mm to 5-mm increments. Clinical evaluation (US Public Health Service method) and wear analysis (indirect cast comparison method) were conducted immediately after placement (baseline) and at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, and 2 years. A total of 25 restorations were inserted. At baseline and after 3, 6, and 9 months (n = 24), all restorations were graded Alfa in all categories. At the 1-year recall, 3 restorations (n = 22) were graded Bravo for surface staining. At the 2-year recall, an additional 3 restorations (n = 22) were graded Bravo for surface staining. No restoration was graded Charlie in any category at any time. Wear analysis revealed an average of 13.8 microns of wear at the 2-year recall (n = 22). No evidence of recurrent caries was observed. In conclusion, after 2 years, this high-density composite material demonstrated clinical acceptability and excellent wear characteristics in all categories, making it suitable for posterior restorations.