A retrospective cohort evaluation of preventive resin restorations

This study measured the longevity and clinical success of preventive resin restorations (PRRs) placed in permanent teeth by multiple operators in the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at the University of Minnesota. A retrospective chart audit identified patients who had one or more PRRs placed. Only restorations of the occlusal surfaces of the first or second permanent molars were included. Each patient was given a dental examination. On completion, the patient's chronological record of treatment was reviewed for the following information: experience of the operator, type of isolation used, bonding material, liner type, composite resin, and sealant type. Teeth were examined with a front surface dental mirror and a sharp No. 23 dental explorer. Evaluations were made according to criteria developed by Cvar and Ryge, but modified to include a sealant evaluation. Independent measurements were made by each of the two examiners and a consensus was obtained. One hundred restorations were examined in 64 patients. The mean duration of service was 27 +/- 13 months. Sealant was evaluated as alfa (complete) 26 per cent, bravo (incomplete/adequate) 48 per cent, charlie (incomplete/inadequate) 21 per cent and delta (lost) five per cent. Cavosurface discoloration was evaluated as alfa (none) 87 per cent, bravo (margin only) 12 per cent, and charlie (margin/proceeding toward pulp) one per cent. Anatomical form was evaluated as alfa (well contoured) 89 per cent, bravo (under contoured/dentin not exposed) 11 per cent. Marginal adaptation was evaluated as alfa (no visible crevice) 85 per cent, bravo (visible crevice/no dentin exposed) 12 per cent, charlie (visible crevice/dentin exposed) two per cent and delta (restoration missing) one per cent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)