[Long-term evaluation of filling from selected composite materials and their effect on tooth pulp]

The aim of this work was to assess the long-term performance of several composite fillings and the reaction of the dental pulp. The study group consisted of 102 patients treated at the Department of Conservative Dentistry, Pomeranian Academy of Medicine, and at the dentistry office of the author. Altogether, 155 restorations were done with Herculite, Pertac Hybrid, Valux Plus and Heliomolar materials. The patients reappeared for follow-up after 1, 3 and 5 years and the restorations were examined clinically using the quality criteria of Ryge for surface, shape and marginal adherence of the restoration. Marginal shunt was studied with extracted teeth and malachite green under conditions resembling those of the oral cavity. Electrical excitability of the pulp was determined with the Vitality Scanner apparatus. Opinions of the patients were sought with a questionnaire. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. No statistically significant differences between the composite materials used were found on the basis of Ryge's criteria, except for Pertac Hybrid which revealed deterioration of surface quality and adherence. Significantly worse marginal adherence with all composites was noted for class I defects according to Black. Electrical excitability of the dental pulp was uniformly reduced after five years from placement of the filling. The reduction was most evident for class I and II defects. A minor marginal shunt was found for all composite materials. Most of the patients were satisfied with the quality of the fillings.