Clinical Longevity of Direct Resin Composite Restorations

Abstract

Dental restorations are subjected to various challenges in the oral environment virtually as soon as the placement is complete. The restorative complex experiences a cascade of events over the first 24 to 48 hours post-restoration until reaching equilibrium. Over time, biofilms of multiple composition and cariogenic abilities accumulate as a cyclic event. Acidic, abrasive as well as mechanical stresses of different extents and magnitudes during mastication exert additional challenges on composite restorations. Thermal, mechanical and chemical aging processes all adversely affect restorations and in certain cases lead to failure. Can we predict or postpone failures? This chapter addresses factors related to the clinical longevity of direct resin composite restorations, including recent data from clinical studies, the meaning of clinical failures, the optimal restorative resin composite, the expected clinical lifespan of restorations and answered/unanswered questions concerning the intraoral performance of direct resin composite restorations. The chapter is concluded addressing strategies to improve the clinical longevity of resin composite restorations.