The outcome of direct composite restorations using the dental operating microscope

The objective of the present study was to compare the outcome of direct composite restorations, with and without the use of additional magnification.

Twenty extracted molars were selected for the study. Class 1 Black cavities were prepared. All teeth were etched, and bonding agent was applied. Teeth were assigned randomly into two groups of ten each. Group I: restorations were done without the use of magnification, first by placing a layer of SDR® flow +Bulk Fill Flowable on the base of the cavity, and then restoring the morphology with Ceram.X SphereTEC® One. Group II: the same protocol was applied, but using the dental microscope. Teeth were then evaluated before and after finishing the protocol by 5 dental professionals using a series of established criteria. The results were documented and statistically analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test.

Statistically significant differences were found when using magnification, before the polishing protocol in "marginal adaptation integrity" and "excess material", and after polishing in "marginal adaptation integrity".

Magnification may be used to increase the quality of the final direct posterior restoration by improving the marginal adaptation integrity, reducing excess material, preventing marginal microleakage, and avoiding subsequent failure.