Amount of resin composite materials used for direct restorations

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to measure and evaluate the usage of composite resin filling materials in various types of direct restorations. Several different materials have appeared on the market in the last decade, price and quality diversity makes it difficult for the dentists to choose the right product. Methods: In this pilot study 250 direct restorations have been examined. All used composite materials have been measured before and after the intervention. Measurements were done using a professional, calibrated scale.(Shinko Densi Co. LTD., SJP-420 CE) Results: Results were evaluated considering Black's classification. Average amount of the filling materials used was calculated. The use of resin composite is obviously in strong connection with the type of the cavity. Amounts used for class II. preparations were somewhat higher in cases where the operator was a student. Specialists needed even less amount of material than residents. The subjective evaluation of the cavity beeing small, medium and large was not comparable between students and dentists. Conclusion: The method and the evaluation sheet is usable for gaining data about composite usage. Further investigation shall be done in order to achieve statistically analysable samples. Bigger sample groups could provide information about different cavity types.