Cuspal flexure, depth-of-cure, and bond integrity of bulk-fill composites.

PURPOSE: Evaluate cuspal flexure caused by polymerization shrinkage stress, bond integrity, and depth-of-cure of bulk-fill composites. METHODS: Twenty-eight extracted permanent molars were mounted in stainless steel rings. Slot-shaped Class II mesio-occlusal-distal preparations (four mm deep) were restored with Filtek Supreme Ultra (control; two two-mm increments) and bulk-fill composites (Tetric EvoCeram, Venus, Filtek Bulk Fill). The teeth were digitized using a 3D scanner before and after restoration. Before- and after-restoration scans were aligned, and cuspal flexure was calculated. Bond integrity along occlusal interfaces was assessed by dye penetration and measured after overnight immersion in basic fuchsin dye and cross-sectioning. Depth-of-cure was determined on the cross-sections using Vickers hardness. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: All composites caused inward cuspal flexure (10.4 to 13.6 µm). No statistical difference in flexure was found among the composites (P=.07). No significant difference in microhardness at any restoration depths was found for any composite (.35

Restorative dentistry for the pediatric patient.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry sponsored the Pediatric Restorative Dentistry Consensus Conference in 2002. This paper will review the consensus statements that were issued as a result of the conference. Since the conference there have been advances in procedures, materials, and techniques that need to be considered in terms of some of the consensus statements. The introduction of the First Dental Home, interim therapeutic restoration and nanotechnology are examples of some of the materials and techniques that are now part of everyday pediatric dentistry. This paper will discuss the updates as it relates to each of the 2002 consensus statements.