Comparative Study of Two Different Tooth Restorative and Finishing/Polishing Techniques

Objectives: This study aimed to improve patient oral health by ilustrating the impact that rotatory instruments have on composite during the preparation and finishing/polishing procedures involve in traditional and modern restorative techniques. Demostration of improper instrumentation was assessed with the goal of improving composite resin failure rates and increasing the longevity of dental restorations.
Methods: Extracted human molars were initially evaluated for fractures using LED light. Samples with detectable fracture lines were discarted and not included in this study. Eighty (80) teeth were selected based on these criteria. Teeth were mounted in PPVS and analized by X-Ray Microtomography Snanning (Micro-CT) to record baseline fracture levels. Teeth were grouped (n=20) and prepared based on experimental design. All samples were evaluated post-preparation by Micro-CT for fractures inflicted during the preparatory phase. Teeth were restored and polished according to the experimental design and evaluated a third time for additional fractures inflicted. All data was compared to baseline control values and statistically analized for significant differences.
Results: A significant difference was found between traditional preparations and modern preparations; traditionally prepared teeth exhibited more total fractures (p<0.05). Traditionally prepared teeth undergoing either finishing/polishing technique did not yield significant differences, while Modern prepared teeth ilustrated a statisticallysignificant difference of fractures inflicted from the control group to the final polish for carbite+ jiffy polish (p=0.0034) and diamond + Rockstar polish (p=0.0003).
Conclusions: Our data ilustrates that Traditional restorative preparation techniques inflict more fractures on a human tooth than modern preparation techniques. While Modern preparations are superior to Traditional preparations in terms of iatrogenic damage by rotary instruments, finishing and polishing Modern restorations yields a higher propensity for microfracture. Future research will compare the post-restorastive impact of biofilm colonization on Traditional and Modern restorative techniques and seek to improve the longevity of dental restorations.