Are there universal restorative composites for anterior and posterior teeth?

Vital Pulp Therapies in Clinical Practice: Findings from a Survey with Dentist in Southern Brazil

Studies based on dentists' clinical practice possess vital relevance to understand factors leading the clinicians to choose by a specific technique over another. This study investigated which clinical conduct therapies are adopted by dentists in front of deep caries. Was evaluated how the place of work, post-graduate training and years since complete graduation influenced their decisions. A cross-sectional study was performed using a self-applied questionnaire with dentists (n=276) in Southern Brazil. Information regarding post-graduation training (specialization, master's or PhD), clinical experience (years since completing graduation) and place of work were investigated. The information regarding pulp vital therapies (materials for direct pulp capping; techniques for caries removal in deep cavities and strategies for indirect pulp capping) were collected by specific questions. Data were submitted to descriptive analysis and Exact Fischer Test. Response rate was 68% (187). The majority of dentists selected the calcium hydroxide (CH) as first material for direct (86.3%) and indirect (80.3%) pulp protection. Partial caries removal was reported by 61.9% of dentists. Less experienced clinical dentists choose partial caries removal more frequently (p=0.009), if compared with dentists graduated 10 years and up ago. The use of MTA was more common among professionals working at academic environment. Besides, MTA was not mentioned by professionals working exclusively in the public health service (p=0.003). In conclusion, the time since graduation influenced the clinical conduct related to caries removal. The choice of liner materials was influenced by dentists' workplace.

Do clinical experience time and postgraduate training influence the choice of materials for posterior restorations? Results of a survey with Brazilian general dentists

The aims of this study were to evaluate the materials available for posterior restorations and to assess whether clinical experience time and post-graduate training influence dentists' choices. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire with closed questions applied to dentists (n=276) of a mid-sized city of the southern Brazil. Information was collected regarding sociodemographic variables, level of specialization, time since graduation and working place. In addition, options regarding posterior restorations including the first choice of material, type of composite resin (if used) and use of rubber dam were also collected data. Data were submitted to descriptive analysis and the associations were evaluated using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests (α=0.05). The response rate was 68% (187). Direct composite resin was broadly indicated (73.2%) as the first-choice for posterior restorations. Most professionals used microhybrid composite (74.5%) and 42.6% of the participants used rubber dam for placement of posterior composite restorations. Dentists with more time of clinical practice used less composite (p=0.014). Specialists used more frequently rubber dam to restore posterior teeth than did non-specialists (p=0.006). The results of this survey revealed that direct composite was the first choice of dentists for posterior restorations; microhybrid was the preferred type of composite and the use of rubber dam for composite resin placement in posterior teeth was not frequent; time since graduation and level of specialization affected dentists' choices.

Retrospective evaluation of posterior direct composite restorations: 10-year findings

OBJECTIVES

This 10-year retrospective study investigated the differences in the changes and the longevity of Class II restorations using 4 similar microhybrid resin composites (Filtek Z250, Herculite XR, Gradia Direct Posterior, Renew).

METHODS

Data were collected from patient records. Those patients who received posterior restoration between 2001 and 2003, and who still visited the clinical practice for regular check-up visits were selected. A total of 225 adult patients (86 males, 139 females) with 701 restorations were evaluated by 2 operators using the USPHS criteria. Data were analyzed with Fisher's Exact Test, Pearson's Chi-Square Test and Kaplan-Meier analysis (p<0.05).

RESULTS

A failure rate of 2.1% was detected. The reasons of failures included restoration fracture, secondary caries and endodontic treatment. Similar survival rates for Gradia Direct Posterior (91.25%) and Renew (92.19%) were observed; better performance was observed with the Filtek Z250 (99.1%) and Herculite XR (98.64%). There was a higher probability of failure in 3 surface (n=10) than in 2 surface (n=5) restorations (p<0.001), and this rate was similar when molars (n=8) and premolars (n=7) were compared. The most frequent but clinically acceptable deficiency was the marginal discoloration.

SIGNIFICANCE

All four microhybrid resin composites showed acceptable clinical durability in Class II restorations during the 10-year follow-up period, with an overall survival rate of >97.8%. Higher rates of failures and deficiencies were observed with the Renew (fracture) and Gradia Direct Posterior (color match), respectively.

Anterior composite restorations in clinical practice: findings from a survey with general dental practitioners

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess technical preferences of general dental practitioners when restoring anterior composite restorations. How the level of clinical experience or post-graduate training infuenced their options was also tested.

Material and Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed using a questionnaire with general dental practitioners (GDPs) (n=276) in Southern Brazil. Information regarding post graduation training (specialization, master's or PhD degree) and linical experience (years since completing graduation) were gathered. The options regarding anterior composite restorations (type of composite, adhesive system, light curing unit, polishing procedures and rubber dam use) were collected. Data were submitted to descriptive analysis and associations were tested.

Results

Response rate was 68% (187). GDPs selected microhybrid composite (52%) and 2-step total etch adhesive system (77%). LED was the preferred method of activation for 72.8%. Immediate polishing was preferred by 75%, using a combination of techniques. Most of the respondents (74.3%) did not use rubber dam. More experienced clinicians used more halogen lights (p<0.022), performed more light monitoring (p<0.001) and were resistant to use rubber dam (p<0.012). Dentists with post-graduation training used 3-etch-and-rinse system more frequently (p<0.04), usually monitored light intensity (p<0.014) and placed rubber dam more frequently (p<0.044).

Conclusions

Hybrid composite, simplifed adhesives, LED units and immediate polishing were preferred by Southern Brazilian dentists for anterior composite restorations. Few dentists used rubber dam to perform composite restorations in anterior teeth. Clinical experience and post-graduation training infuenced the dentists' choices.