Clinical evaluation of Class V restorations using a total etch technique: 1-year results

The clinical performance of All Bond 2 and Bis-Fil M used with a total etch technique is being monitored in adult patients with erosion/abrasion lesions. 78 restorations were placed among 36 patients. After a prophylaxis, a short bevel was placed on the enamel margin. Using cotton roll isolation, both enamel and dentin were conditioned with 10% phosphoric acid for 20 seconds. Both tissues were moist at the time of primer application in which several applications of the latter resulted in a shiny surface upon gentle air drying. Bonding agent was added, brush thinned and polymerized for 20 seconds. The restoration was completed with the appropriate shade of composite placed in two increments and finished with fine grit diamonds and polishing paste. Evaluation criteria according to Ryge included retention, color match, visual and tactile margin integrity, secondary caries and postoperative sensitivity. A 1-year recall of 73 restorations showed 98.6% retention with 95.8% Alfa color match and stain-free margins. Tactile integrity was 83.1% Alfa. There was no secondary caries nor postoperative sensitivity. It was concluded that these preliminary findings offer cautious optimism for this system and the total etch procedure.