Faculty Bibliography

The purpose of this study was to establish the influence that finishing and polishing of existing amalgam restorations might have on the decision to replace them. Forty extracted teeth, in which amalgam restorations had been placed in vivo, were individually examined by 60 practitioners and students prior to and following standard finishing and polishing procedures. Examiners, who had not been informed of the study's methodology or objective, opted either for maintaining or replacing the restoration in question. The main reasons for replacement were also registered. Finishing and polishing significantly reduced the number of decisions to replace restorations in all groups and for all practitioners. "Appearance" (anatomic shape) was the most frequently cited reason for replacing restorations before finishing and polishing, followed by marginal defects and secondary caries.

A new technique for the performance of resin composite direct restorations on posterior teeth is presented. A clear acrylic resin matrix, fabricated prior to the preparation of the occlusal and proximal surfaces, is employed. The matrix allows the fast and accurate reproduction of the anatomic details from the original occlusal surface of the tooth, as well as the marginal ridges in the case of Class II (occlusoproximal) restorations. Advantages and limitations of the procedure are discussed.