Strain profiles in molars restored with posterior composite resins: effect of cavity size & restorative technique

The objective of the study was to quantitatively compare peak strain in buccal & lingual aspects of human molar teeth restored with composite res in polymers as a function of: 1) cavity size, 2) restorative material, 3) restorative technique. Two composite resin materials were investigated: Herculite (sub micron filler particle) & P 50 (supra micron filler particle). Performance was compared to two different types of high copper amalgams. A total of 48 freshly extracted human molar teeth free from cracks or caries were used. MOD cavities were prepared with three different cavity sizes: 1 mm, 2.5 mm & 5 mm. Rectangular rosette strain gauges were applied centrally on the buccal & lingual surfaces of the prepared teeth. Strain measurements were recorded during subsequent cavity restoration procedures and curing cycles. A comparison of peak strains in the amalgam vs composites using bulk-pack technique showed significantly higher strain in the composite series. Highest strains were noted in the largest cavity size (5 mm). Slot preparation following restoration reduced strains in the composite materials. Subsequent re-filling of the slot increased strain, but still less than the initial value.