ONE-YEAR CLINICAL-EVALUATION OF COMPOSITE AND CERAMIC INLAYS IN POSTERIOR TEETH

Statement of problem. There are only a few studies available that deal with the clinical behavior of composite and ceramic inlay systems as potential substitutes for amalgam restorations. Purpose. This prospect ive clinical trial evaluated composite and ceramic inlay systems for c linical acceptability as restorative materials in single or multisurfa ce cavities of posterior teeth and provided 1-year results. Material a nd methods. Forty-seven composite inlays (Tetric, Blend-a-lux, Pertac) and 24 heat-pressed ceramic inlays (IPS Empress) were placed in 45 pa tients by 7 student operators under the supervision of an experienced dentist. The first clinical evaluation was performed 11 to 13 months a fter placement of the restorations and used modified United States Pub lic Health Services criteria. Results. Satisfactory results over this period were found, as 100% of ceramic inlays and 94% of composite inla ys were assessed to be clinically excellent and acceptable. Only 3 com posite inlay restorations were scored delta (unacceptable). Two inlays exhibited secondary caries and 1 demonstrated loss of pulp vitality. For the criteria ''anatomic form of the surface'' and ''marginal integ rity,'' ceramic inlays were significantly better than composite inlays . Conclusion. Posterior tooth-colored inlays provided acceptable and e xcellent clinical service, even if they are placed by relatively inexp erienced student operators.