CLINICAL-EVALUATION OF CLASS-II COMBINED AMALGAM-COMPOSITE RESTORATIONS IN PRIMARY MOLARS AFTER 6 TO 30 MONTHS

Composites are claimed to be inappropriate for Class II restoration du e to polymerization shrinkage. The present study evaluated the clinica l and radiographic appearance of Class II combined amalgam composite r estorations in primary molars. Conventional cavities (groups A & B) we re restored with 1 mm thick amalgam at the cervical floor covered by a posterior composite (Estilux Posterior). In group A Amalgambond was p laced between the layers; in group B conventional enamel bond was appl ied. Vertical increments of Estilux Posterior over enamel bond restore d cavities of group C. A fluted carbide bur and Sof-lex discs finished all restorations. Criteria developed by Cvar & Ryge (1971) were used for clinical evaluation of 39 restorations (12, 16 and 11 of Groups A, B and C respectively). No complaints of pain or discomfort were repor ted during the 6-30 months (mean 15.3) follow-up period. All groups pr esented excellent surface appearance. Ninety-two percent of group A an d 100 percent of groups B & C presented excellent marginal adaptation. Anatomic form was excellent in 92 percent, 8 percent and 100 percent of groups A, B and C respectively. The underlying amalgam was visible through the composite of groups A & B reducing the percentage of excel lent ratings of color match to 33 percent and 38 percent respectively, with 9 percent in Group C. This difference was significant (p < 0.02) . Secondary caries was observed in two teeth (group A & C). Radiograph s presented radiolucent area at the amalgam-composite interface only i n one restoration (group A) and one at the tooth-composite interface ( group C). Bubbles were found in 6.6 percent of group A; 12.5 percent o f group and 64 percent of group C (p < 0.01). This study detected diff erences between the groups only in color match and the presence of bub bles.