The repair of direct composite restorations: an international survey of the teaching of operative techniques and materials

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a study on the aspects of the teaching of repair as a conservative alternative to the replacement of failing direct composite restorations (DCRs) in primary dental degree curricula in the UK and Ireland, Germany and Scandinavia. Data on teaching, including operative techniques applied in the repair of DCRs, were collected by means of a questionnaire sent to 58 dental schools in the surveyed countries. Based on the overall response rate of 83%, the findings indicate that the majority (59%) of the schools in the countries surveyed may be found to teach the repair of DCRs. However, marked variations were observed in respect of this teaching and the expected longevity of repaired DCRs. Where the repair of DCRs was not taught, views differed as to the intentions, if any, to include this teaching in the curriculum. It is concluded that the teaching of DCRs may be found to be widespread in dental schools in the UK and Ireland, Germany and Scandinavia, with this teaching being subjected to considerable variation within and between countries.

Can a single composite resin serve all purposes?

“…However, when composite resin restorations fail on the long term, there is no need to replace them completely as they can be repaired. 10 By doing this the 'tooth countdown' repeat restorative cycle is halted. 11 The total removal of bonded tooth coloured posterior restorations is more technically demanding and time consuming than for amalgam removal.…”

Repair bond strength of microhybrid, nanohybrid and nanofilled resin composites: effect of substrate resin type, surface conditioning and ageing

“…A great conservative alternative to manage deficient RBC restorations is the repair. Repair procedures are mainly justified in terms of entailing removal of enamel and/or dentin leading to more loss of sound dental tissues [6,7], reduction of the potential harmful effects on the pulp, reducing treatment expenses and treatment time, and increasing longevity of restorations [6,7].…”

Composite Veneering of Complex Amalgam Restorations

“…15 The suggested technique could also be a reliable alternative to repair large, aged amalgam restorations that have suffered fractures but remain in clinical service. [16][17] Such a technique is within the scope of minimally invasive dentistry 14 and it may avoid the repetitive restorative cycle. 18 Evaluating combined amalgam-composite Class II restorations in deciduous teeth, Holan and others 19 observed a similar performance to composite restorations, alone.…”

“…10 Other studies have described the application of resin-based materials as a veneer for amalgam restorations, [11][12][13] combining the esthetics of composites with the mechanical properties of amalgam. Also, restoration repair could be an option within the scope of minimally invasive dentistry, 14 and resin-based materials could be used to repair fractured amalgam restorations.…”