3D-printed hybrid composite for posterior indirect partial restorations: 1-year follow-up primary observation

A 22-year-old female patient presented with a lower right first molar exhibiting an extensive carious lesion beneath an old direct resin composite restoration. Radiographic evaluation revealed pulpal involvement with a periapical infection, accompanied by grade II mobility and a circumferential probing depth of <3 mm. The compromised molar rehabilitation was carried out using a multichromatic 3D-printed onlay. A fully digital workflow was employed, enabling the completion of the procedure in a single clinical session. Following endodontic and restorative treatments, intraoral scans were acquired using a Trios5 scanner. The restoration was digitally designed and 3D printed from STL files using the DWS Systems Dfab printer. The hybrid composite onlay was adhesively luted using a universal self-adhesive resin cement (Panavia SA, Kuraray). Clinical evaluations at 6 months and 1 year demonstrated favorable outcomes, with high patient satisfaction.

3D printing represents a digital evolution in the fabrication of dental restorations, introducing an additive manufacturing approach distinct from the subtractive processes used in traditional CAD/CAM systems. In cases of severely compromised teeth, 3D-printed, adhesively bonded partial restorations represent a viable treatment option. The hybrid composite used in this study demonstrated favorable clinical and esthetic performance, enabling minimally invasive preparations while preserving sound tooth structure.

Chairside 3D printing technology presents an alternative approach for the fabrication of indirect composite restorations in posterior teeth. Although 3D printing is not yet widely adopted in restorative dentistry, its versatility may offer significant advantages for both clinicians and patients in the production of indirect partial restorations.