Glass inserts. A new dimension in restorative dentistry

Pediatric restorative dentistry has traditionally involved the placement of a stainless steel crown following a pulpotomy in primary molars. The increased exposure to systemic and topical fluorides has significantly decreased smooth surface caries, yet occlusal pit and fissure caries remains a problem. Occlusal caries involving the pulp of primary molars, leaving the supporting walls intact, may be restored conservatively with the use of glass inserts. The glass inserts provide the major volume of the restoration, therefore a minimal amount of posterior composite resin is necessary. The glass inserts bond to composite resin, increase restoration strength, and reduce polymerization shrinkage which may cause cuspal deflection or marginal microleakage. A case is presented to describe a new material and the conceptual protocol for clinical use.