Class II Solution
Blog Post
Restorative
Replacement of failed restorations accounts for nearly 70% of all restorative dentistry1 and the #1 reason for composite failure is recurrent caries2 (decay or cavities that occur under existing dental restorations). Not only are recurrent caries unpleasant for your patient, but they can impact the profitability of your practice if the restoration fails prematurely.
Symptoms and signs of recurrent (secondary) caries
When your patient is diagnosed with recurrent caries under an existing restoration (also known as secondary caries) the earlier you spot it the better—only problem is, since recurrent caries occur under existing dental restorations, they can be difficult to diagnose. It is not uncommon for secondary caries to go unnoticed until they are severe, which can cause more pain for the patient and more work for you.
So how do you diagnose secondary caries? It is most often located on the gingival margins of Class II through V restorations (rarely have they been diagnosed on Class I restorations)3, and you might see a visually graying look, a translucent area on the radiograph or find an area that is hypersensitive. The diagnosis can be difficult, and it is important to differentiate recurrent carious lesions from stained margins on resin-based composite restorations. One tool you can use to diagnose recurrent caries is the SmartLite Pro. It features an additional transillumination tip you can use as a diagnostic aid for the visualization of interproximal caries.
Why recurrent dental caries happens - causes of recurrent caries and prevention methods
Preventing recurrent caries from happening in the first place may be easier said than done. While there are some recurrent caries causes that you can’t control—like patient factors including caries susceptibility and diet, others are within your control such as placement technique and material choice. The most common causes of recurrent caries in a restoration are:
Recurrent caries due to patients’ caries susceptibility, oral hygiene, and diet
To reduce the risk for premature failure of restorations due to recurrent caries, patients with high caries susceptibility, poor oral hygiene, and cariogenic diet habits should be identified. As quality of oral hygiene and diet may change, regular recalls with individualized recall rates are recommended. Unfortunately, there is no ‘cure’ for these factors, but you can reduce occurrence of secondary caries in patients identified as high-risk by encouraging better dental hygienic practices and following instructions on care.
Recurrent caries due to placement technique
The quality of your patient’s restoration will depend on your ability to quickly diagnose recurrent caries and your skill to expertly place the restoration while minimizing the chances of technique related errors. Studies tell us that the #1 reason for composite failure is recurrent caries, and the floor of the proximal box in a Class II restoration is the most vulnerable interface.4 Poor execution at this interface can lead to premature restoration failure that ultimately impacts the bottom line of your business. Choosing the correct matrix system, adhesive, curing light, and filling material can aid in protecting this most vulnerable interface.
Being successful with any restorative procedure requires using the correct technique and following the directions for your materials exactly. Different brands and materials require different techniques for successful outcomes. It is important to familiarize yourself with the Instructions for Use (IFU) for all products to ensure successful outcomes.
Recurrent caries due to microleakage
Microleakage, or the passage of bacteria, fluids, molecules or ions between the tooth’s wall and the restorative material applied to it, is a common cause of secondary caries. Voids and gaps between the restoration and cavity walls can have a direct influence on the development of recurrent caries5.
Preventing Caries Due to Microleakage
To prevent secondary caries caused by microleakage, use a low-stress restorative material that achieves gap-free restorations with excellent adaptation at the floor of the proximal box, like SDR flow+. When used with a strong adhesive that provides complete coverage, like Prime&Bond active, this will help protect the most vulnerable interface of the restoration.
Recurrent caries due to inadequate light curing
Inadequate light curing can lead to premature failure at the floor of the proximal box, which might often be 8mm away from the tip of the curing light.
SmartLite Pro
Preventing Inadequate Light Curing
Many lights deliver as little as 35% of their stated output to the bottom of the proximal box.6 For that reason, it is critical to know the performance of your curing light at clinically relevant distances. The SmartLite Pro curing light has greater performance over distance8 - allowing it to penetrate all the way to the bottom of the restoration and ensure a complete cure, even at the most vulnerable interface.
Recurrent caries due to poor interproximal contact
An open, or improperly placed/shaped interproximal contact can result in a fracture, as well as food impaction in the interproximal space which can result in periodontal inflammation, bone loss and recurrent caries.7
Preventing Poor Interproximal Contact
To protect the adjacent tooth during removal of existing caries, you should use an interproximal guard that protects the adjacent tooth preventing any iatrogenic damage from occurring which can lead to caries development in the future. Next, choosing a matrix system, like the Palodent Family of matrix systems that seal and shape the restoration, will aid in maintaining isolation while creating tight, accurate contacts and contours.
Trust Dentsply Sirona’s Solutions to Achieve Long Lasting Restorations
Not all restorative materials and products are created equal, and that is where we come in. Our goal is to empower you to provide the best possible care to your patients, which is why we have created our suite of Class II Restoration products, To get started, contact us now!
- Murray PE, Windsor LJ, Smyth TW, Hafez AA, Cox CF Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 2002; 13(6):509-20.
- 2013 Levin Group Annual Practice Research Report. Dental Economics November 2013.
- Durable Bonds at the Adhesive/Dentin Interface. Braz Dent Sci. 2012 ; 15(1): 4–18.
- Kuper NK, Opdam NJ, Ruben JL, de Soet JJ, Cenci MS, Bronkhorst EM, et al. Gap size and wall lesion development next to composite. J Dent Res 2014;93, 108S–13S
- American Dental Association Procedure Recap Report (2006).
- Irradiance Value Comparison among commercially available curing lights. BlueLight Analytics. (2012)
- Rosenburg, Jeffrey M (2013). Dentistry Today. Making Contact: A Method for Restoring Adjacent Posterior Direct Resin.
- Blue Light Analytics, Inc. Data on file. For more information contact Consumables-Data-Request@dentsplysirona.com
