Controversies in posterior composite resin restorations

The use of posterior composites is riddled with so many controversies that the puzzled practitioner must step warily among them. This modality is a minefield, where one careless movement can bring disaster. All composite restorations are subject to three big destructive forces--moisture, polymerization shrinkage, and clinical wear--forces that can eventually produce both microleakage and deterioration of the silane coupling agent linking filler particles to resin matrix. Despite the extreme technique sensitivity of posterior composite resins, knowledge of resin technology, sound operative dentistry principles and foresight in case selection can be effective in producing durable cosmetic restorations. Posterior composite resin restorations bonded to enamel and dentin reputedly strengthen teeth in both conventional and adhesive types of preparations provided polymerization shrinkage can be controlled. It is imperative that a knowledge of occlusal contacts be used to influence cavity outline, confining the trauma or occlusal forces away from the tooth-resin interface and helping to minimize occlusal wear. With the increased use of posterior resins, the trend in cavity preparations should break away from the traditional Black preparation toward the adhesive type preparation. If the Black Class II preparation is used, it is suggested that bevels be confined to the facial and lingual margins of the proximal box. Prewedging helps to maintain a conservative Class II preparation. Shade selection must be made prior to rubber dam isolation for greater accuracy and to help prevent postinsertion discoloration. The enamel should be pumiced to present a clean substrate for acid etching. The smear layer should be removed. The type of pulp protection applied before acid etching is dependent on the material used. After etching, the enamel should be washed with a 1 per cent potassium chloride solution. It is a more universally chemically stable solution than additive-laden local water supplies. The potassium chloride solution lowers the electrostatic forces on the enamel that would interfere with the flow of enamel bonding agents. Furthermore, tests have shown that the use of potassium chloride washes increase the strength of the enamel body by 40 per cent. Because of the depth of most posterior cavities, an incremental filling technique must be used to ensure a thorough polymerization of the resin and to forestall a massive polymerization shrinkage. When finished and contoured, the margins of the restoration should be re-etched, washed, and dried and then covered with an application of unfilled resin to discourage microleakage. Traditional operative dentistry technique must become flexible enough to meet the new demands of resin technology.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)