Clinical evaluation of replacement of class V resin based composite restorations

Objectives: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate any increase in size of Class V resin based composite restorations that required replac ement. Emphasis was placed on measurements of the loss of tooth structure i n areas distant from the site of failure. Methods: 14 Class V restorations scheduled for replacement were recorded wi th pre-operative impressions and intra-oral photographs. Restorations were then removed and cavity preparations were completed. A second impression an d photograph were taken and stone casts were prepared for each impression. The perimeter and area of each restoration and cavity preparation were meas ured with a video-based imaging system (Dage 725 CCD camera) equipped with a macro lens, at a fixed magnification of x 10-15. The initial measurements of the restoration image were compared to the measurements of the new cavi ty preparatiom, in both instances excluding the site of failure. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICR) and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A significant difference between the pre and post,operative measur ements for both area (P = 0.0125) and perimeter (P = 0.003) was found. Conclusion: The study showed that replacement of Class V resin based compos ite restorations resulted in increased size of the cavity preparation in ar eas distant from the site of failure. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.