A 3-year clinical study of tunnel restorations

Tunnel restorations (n = 161) performed by 4 dentists were evaluated after a mean of 35 months in situ. Demineralized enamel was to be spared during preparation. The preparations were filled with a cermet glass ionomer (polyalkenoate) cement. Evaluation was carried out using clinical and radiographical criteria. During the observation period, approximately 16% of the restorations were replaced due to caries in dentin and 14% due to marginal ridge fracture. Cavitation in the approximal surface and/or increased radiolucency of the approximal enamel were observed in 34% of the remaining tunnel-restored teeth. A significantly higher frequency of failures were registered when treating patients with a high caries activity, where the initial lesion was large, and where the restoration did not reach the approximal surface.