Retention of resin composite restorations in abfraction
lesions is problematic with poor retention rates reported. It has been
suggested that this is due to continued flexure of the tooth under occlusal
loading.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the
effect of occlusal adjustment on the retention and performance of resin
composite restorations placed in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) and
four-year results are reported.
Methods: Twenty subjects were recruited
who had two NCCLs, which required restoration. The teeth were restored with
resin composite (Pertac II, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) and a dentine-bonding
agent (Prompt L Pop, 3M ESPE). One tooth in each subject was randomly selected
to have the excursive occlusal contacts reduced, with the aid of articulating
paper, to leave only light occlusal loading in excursion. Centric occlusal
contacts were not reduced. The restorations were examined using modified USPHS
criteria at baseline and four years and to date 16 subjects have been reviewed.
Results: The (%) restorations rated alpha (p>0.05) for retention (R),
anatomic form (AF), colour (C), staining (S), marginal discoloration (MD),
marginal adaptation (MA), surface roughness (SR), sensitivity (S) and gingival
health (GH) at four years were as follows:
R AF C S MD MA SR S GH
Adjusted 53 100 100 78 56 66 100 100 100
Non-Adjusted 71 100 100 83 67 75 92 100 100
Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study it
is concluded that occlusal adjustment does not appear to improve the retention
and performance of resin composite restorations placed in non-carious cervical
lesions.
paul.brunton@man.ac.uk
Study sponsored by the BDA Shirley Glasstone Hughes Research Prize