Abstract
Nowadays, Polymeric dental restorations are the most commonly used aesthetic restorations. However, polymerization shrinkage, shrinkage stresses against the cavity walls and bond degradation are still the major drawbacks of these restorations. In some circumstances, these drawbacks may develop interfacial gaps and microleakage that would affect the longevity and the success of these composite restorations. Although Conventional radiographs are commonly used in restorative dentistry to assess recurrent caries and restorations adaptation, radiation hazard and low resolution would influence operator decision. In this regards, we will discuss the role of digital dentistry in detecting interfacial gaps and the advantage of using Optical coherence tomography in visualization composite adaptation and polymerization shrinkage in real-time.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of digital imaging in restorative dentistry
- Explain what are the factors that would affect composite success
- Explain how to reduce gap formation under composite restoration
- Discuss real-time visualization of composite shrinkage and the formation of interfacial gap
- Discuss tips to enhance bond strength and restoration adaptation that will increase restoration longevity and success with the aid of optical coherence tomography (OCT)
