Fillings: Composite Resin. Where are the decayed cavities?

Decayed cavities are hidden here (yellow arrows). The areas are slightly darker in colour.

Decayed cavities are hidden here (yellow arrows). The areas are slightly darker in colour.

This case I am sharing is about composite resin fillings for teeth with decay.

The green background below the teeth is called a ‘dental rubber dam’. Dentists today and many patients as well, choose to use composite resin to fill teeth. A rubber dam isolates teeth, keeping out moisture and saliva that would otherwise interfere with composite resin placement. If contamination occurs, the longevity of these fillings will be compromised and new decay could form around the fillings.

Pre-wedge done with Triodent Wave-wedge, to ensure good contact between these teeth at the final result. Decayed cavities were exposed and seen as brownish softened teeth. The whitish areas between the teeth were caused by demineralization by bacterial acid found in plaque and calculus, a process of tooth decay.

Pre-wedge done with Triodent Wave-wedge, to ensure good contact between these teeth at the final result. Decayed cavities were exposed and seen as brownish softened teeth. The whitish areas between the teeth were caused by demineralization by bacterial acid found in plaque and calculus, a process of tooth decay.

 Once the decayed areas are cleaned and proper shade selections made, composite resin materials are placed and sculpted.

Decayed areas cleaned. Hard and sound enamel left in place, even though appeared whitish. Often 'chasing' demineralized enamel is not necessary as it will deepen the cavity. However, I always advise periodic radiograph reviews to check these areas and of course, Mr Smith has to maintain good oral hygiene.

Decayed areas cleaned. Hard and sound enamel left in place, even though appeared whitish. Often ‘chasing’ demineralized enamel is not necessary as it will deepen the cavity. However, I always advise periodic radiograph reviews to check these areas and of course, Mr Smith has to maintain good oral hygiene.

Composite resin sculpted to follow the natural teeth shape. Tints used to highlight and blend the fillings with the teeth. Contact between these teeth were built using Triodent V3-ring and their matrix system. Note: the other 2 fillings between the lower and second lower teeth in this photograph were done 7.5 years ago by, yours truly. At that time, I had less choices of composite resin shades and no access to tints. One shade of composite resin was used (Esthet X, not the HD version) with the first Triodent V-ring system. Aesthetically is acceptable and functionally is still 100%. The method of placing these composite resin fillings have not changed very much over the years of my practice. Hence, I believe with proper and careful technique, composite resin fillings can be long lasting.

Composite resin sculpted to follow the natural teeth shape. Tints used to highlight and blend the fillings with the teeth. Contact between these teeth were built using Triodent V3-ring and their matrix system.
Note: the other 2 fillings between the lower and second lower teeth in this photograph were done 7.5 years ago by, yours truly. At that time, I had less choices of composite resin shades and no access to tints. One shade of composite resin was used (Esthet X, not the HD version) with the first Triodent V-ring system. Aesthetically is acceptable and functionally is still 100%. The method of placing these composite resin fillings have not changed very much over the years of my practice. Hence, I believe with proper and careful technique, composite resin fillings can be long lasting.

Composite resin and tints are very good filling materials dentists use to create aesthetic and natural looking teeth. Proper techniques and careful placement are important to create these fillings where ultimately, the patients benefit from long lasting results.

Fillings completed

Fillings completed

  Mr Smith was definitely happy that his teeth are good again!