RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF FAILURES IN DIRECT TOOTH RESTORATIONS

Abstract

The probable increase in the use of chemically cured composites necessitates an analysis of the condition of restorations made from them for carious lesions of various locations. Objective. A retrospective analysis of failures in direct tooth restorations made from chemically cured composites. Materials and Methods. A total of 58 patients aged 42 to 69 years were examined, with 156 direct tooth restorations made from chemically cured composites that had been functioning for 2 to 3 years. The retrospective evaluation of the restorations was carried out using four clinically significant criteria. Results. In restorations on the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth and on the contact surfaces of anterior teeth, the most common complication was marginal adaptation failure between the composite and enamel, identified in 20.5% and 35.3% of restorations, respectively. For restorations located on the occlusal and contact surfaces of posterior teeth, 39.6% exhibited defects in anatomical form, 54.2% showed contact point failures, 64.6% had marginal adaptation issues, and 31.3% of restored teeth were diagnosed with secondary caries in the cervical area. When located on the contact surfaces of anterior teeth, including the incisal edge, 52.2% of restorations had anatomical form defects, 60.9% had contact point defects, and 34.8% had marginal adaptation failures. For cervical restorations, 48.3% showed marginal staining, and 44.8% had marginal adaptation issues. Conclusions. The most frequent failures in restorations made from chemically cured composites were defects in the contact point, marginal adaptation issues, anatomical form defects, and secondary caries in the cervical area.