Flowable Composite Class II Restorations

by Robert A. Lowe, DDS, FAGD, FICD, FADI, FACD, FIADE, FASDA, Diplomat, American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry

Introduction

The typical Class II posterior composite restoration is “placed on blind faith” using techniques and armamentarium designed specifically for amalgam placement. It is extremely difficult to evaluate the quality of composite layering in an interproximal preparation that is between the buccal and lingual line angles and thus, not clinically visible. Unlike amalgam, composite is not “condensable”; using round “amalgam pluggers” to “condense” composite in proximal boxes with geometric line and point angles makes it virtually impossible to ascertain that these areas are properly filled without voids. To make matters worse, these “potential” voids are neither clinically nor radiographically detectable. Left undetected, microleakage and bacterial contamination of voids can lead to early clinical failure. Dental researchers have long sought a technique for flowable composite resins that would eliminate the need for “condensing” and/or “packing” while improving the internal adaptation of the material to the cavity walls.

A Comparison of Composite Resins Techniques:
Incremental Vs Bulk Fill Placement
Traditionally, clinical placement of composite resins has utilized a 2mm increment technique. This approach was recommended to decrease the effects of polymerization shrinkage on the material during light curing, and to assure curing light penetration to the entire resin depth. Some studies advised placing each increment diagonally, engaging only one vertical wall of the preparation at a time, in order to avoid “pulling the cusps together.” Given the many advances in polymer chemistry, photo activation, and curing light technologies that we currently employ, do these “old rules” still apply?

Research comparing incremental vs bulk fill placement of composite resins concluded almost 20 years ago that there is no statistical difference in cuspal deflection (pulling of cusps) or decrease in marginal integrity (marginal gaps or “white lines”). The main clinical issue with bulk placement of composite resins appears to be the depth of polymerization – does the material at the base fully cure when placed in increments larger than 2 mm? Other studies have proposed directional curing at the gingival embrasures from both buccal and lingual, after matrix band removal, to increase the full cure of composite at the gingival margin of the proximal box in a Class II restoration.1-4

Bulk Fill Flowable Composite Resin Technologies
Bulk fill (up to 4 mm) flowable composite resins have been clinically used for several years and are traditionally designated as “dentin replacement”, reducing the number of increments required in posterior composite restorations. The lower viscosity of the flowables (compared to conventional “paste” composites) is claimed5 to increase marginal adaptation in the line and point angles of the cavity, reducing the potential of marginal failure due to microleakage. Until recently, bulk fill flowable composite resins all required the addition of a nanohybrid composite as a “capping (enamel) layer” (1-1.5 mm thick) to withstand posterior occlusal forces and blend aesthetically with surrounding tooth structures. Bulk flowables have also been claimed6 to reduce the polymerization shrinkage stress of overlying composite resins due to their more elastic nature. While neither of these proposed advantages have been validated through research, there is a relatively broad consensus that the use of flowable composites does help to optimize the adaptation of overlying composite to the geometric intricacies of cavity preparations.

A New Evolution in Bulk Fill Flowable Composite Resins
Estelite Bulk Fill Flow (Tokuyama Dental), as a new “class”, changed the way bulk fill flowable composites are placed by eliminating the need for a nanohybrid “capping layer” as the final increment. According to the manufacturer, the spherical nature of the fillers in the material allows for an increase in physical properties and aesthetics, particularly opacity, the major drawback that relegated flowables to dentin replacement. As a result of their uniform geometry, these “supra-nano” filler particles can be closely compacted in the resin matrix to enhance the physical properties (wear resistance, compressive and tensile strength) of the material. Furthermore, they permit more light diffusion and refraction that penetrates into the material. This offers a more predictable cure depth and an increased ability for the material to blend aesthetically with surrounding tooth structures. Estelite Bulk Fill Flow is more translucent at placement, allowing a 4mm depth of cure. During polymerization, the material becomes more opaque to better match the optical properties of the surrounding enamel tooth structure. The spherical supra-nano fillers (200 nanometers), create an extremely smooth surface that can be quickly polished to a very high, long-lasting luster.) Abrasion and surface plucking will not impact the shine and reflectivity for years to come.

Clinical Case Report: Class II Posterior Bulk Fill Flowable Composite
The Class II DO composite in tooth 24 (Fig. 1) had a fractured marginal ridge and required replacement. The remaining composite material and any recurrent decay were removed with a 330-carbide bur (SS White, Lakewood NJ) while the adjacent surface was protected by a Wedge Guard (Ultradent Products, South Jordan UT). (Fig. 2) Once removal of the existing restoration was complete, the quadrant was isolated with Isolite (Isolite Systems, Zyris, Santa Barbara CA) and a Dry Tip (Microbrush International, Grafton WI) to cover Stenson’s (parotid) duct. Next, a Dual Force sectional matrix (Clinical Research Dental, London ON) was placed around the completed cavity preparation. (Fig. 3) The preparation was selectively etched for 15 seconds on the enamel periphery with 37% phosphoric acid and then rinsed with water. The enamel was air-dried.

Fig. 1

 A preoperative view of tooth 24 with a fractured marginal ridge in the DO composite. The patient has been impacting food in this space since breaking the restoration.
A preoperative view of tooth 24 with a fractured marginal ridge in the DO composite. The patient has been impacting food in this space since breaking the restoration.

Fig. 2

A Wedge Guard (Ultradent Products) protects the adjacent proximal surface during removal of the fractured restoration on tooth 24.
A Wedge Guard (Ultradent Products) protects the adjacent proximal surface during removal of the fractured restoration on tooth 24.

Fig. 3

A sectional matrix band, wedge, and ring (Dual Force: Clinical Research Dental) is placed after cavity preparation. Note that the matrix is closely adapted to the cavity preparation to confine the restorative material.
A sectional matrix band, wedge, and ring (Dual Force: Clinical Research Dental) is placed after cavity preparation. Note that the matrix is closely adapted to the cavity preparation to confine the restorative material.

Tokuyama Universal Bond (Tokuyama Dental America, Encinitas CA) Bond A and Bond B are applied sequentially to the cavity preparation enamel and dentin per manufacturers’ instructions, (Fig. 4) then air thinned. The selected shade (A2) of Estelite Bulk Fill Flowable (Tokuyama Dental) was inserted into the cavity preparation. (Fig. 5) A sable brush (Fig. 6) was used to gently remove any minimal excess and to ensure that the cavity margins were covered. Since a “capping layer” is not required with Estelite Bulk Fill Flowable composite, the cavity preparation was filled to the cavosurface margin and the top of the matrix band interproximally. The importance of a properly fitted anatomic sectional matrix to limit any potential excess restorative material cannot be overemphasized. (Fig. 7) The goal is to have as little rotary finishing and contouring as possible. After light curing the composite per manufacturer’s instructions, the matrix system and isolation were removed, and the finishing process begun.

Fig. 4

. A universal bonding agent (Tokuyama Universal Bond: Tokuyama Dental) is applied to the cavity preparation.
A universal bonding agent (Tokuyama Universal Bond: Tokuyama Dental) is applied to the cavity preparation.

Fig. 5

Estelite Bulk Fill Flowable: Tokuyama Dental is syringed into the cavity preparation. Its lower viscosity allows the material to fill the irregular geometry of the cavity preparation without “condensing”.
Estelite Bulk Fill Flowable: Tokuyama Dental is syringed into the cavity preparation. Its lower viscosity allows the material to fill the irregular geometry of the cavity preparation without “condensing”.

Fig. 6

 A sable artists’ brush is used to remove any excess material and to ensure complete coverage of the cavity margins.
A sable artists’ brush is used to remove any excess material and to ensure complete coverage of the cavity margins.

Fig. 7

An occlusal view Estelite Bulk Fill Flowable: Tokuyama Dental after light curing and matrix removal. Note the precise volume of restorative placed in order to limit the post-op contouring.
An occlusal view Estelite Bulk Fill Flowable: Tokuyama Dental
after light curing and matrix removal. Note the precise volume of restorative placed in order to limit the post-op contouring.

The occlusal contacts were checked with articulating paper (Fig. 8) and adjusted using a “needle” or “mosquito” type composite diamond finishing bur 8392.016 (Komet USA, Rock Hill SC). (Fig. 9) Finally, the restoration was polished with A.S.A.P. All Surface Access Polishers rubber composite polishing instruments (Clinical Research Dental, London ON). (Figs. 10 & 11) ContacEZ Interproximal Finishing Instruments (ContacEZ, Directa Dental, Newton CT) removed excess resin bonding material and refined the interproximal contours as needed to facilitate flossing. (Fig. 12) A post-operative occlusal view of the completed restoration shows contact, contour, and esthetics. (Fig. 13) Note the extremely high luster and the imperceptible blend of the restorative material into the surrounding tooth structure.

Fig. 8

. The articulating paper indicates an “intense” spot on the marginal ridge. This area is in hyper occlusion and must be adjusted prior to polishing.
The articulating paper indicates an “intense” spot on the marginal ridge. This area is in hyper occlusion and must be adjusted
prior to polishing.

Fig. 9

A needle shaped composite finishing diamond (#8392.016: Komet USA) refines anatomic grooves and makes any minor occlusal adjustments.
A needle shaped composite finishing diamond (#8392.016: Komet USA) refines anatomic grooves and makes any minor occlusal adjustments.

Fig. 10

An A.S.A.P: Clinical Research Dental rubber abrasive pre-polisher is used for the initial polishing.
An A.S.A.P: Clinical Research Dental rubber abrasive pre-polisher is used for the initial polishing.

Fig. 11

 An A.S.A.P: Clinical Research Dental rubber abrasive high shine polisher creates the final luster of the restoration
An A.S.A.P: Clinical Research Dental rubber abrasive high shine polisher creates the final luster of the restoration.

Fig. 12

 A ContacEZ interproximal finishing instrument refines the proximal surface of the restoration and the contact area.
A ContacEZ interproximal finishing instrument refines the proximal surface of the restoration and the contact area.

Fig. 13

An occlusal view of the completed DO bulk fill flowable composite restoration on tooth 24. Note the final luster and how well the restoration blends into the natural tooth structure
An occlusal view of the completed DO bulk fill flowable composite restoration on tooth 24. Note the final luster and how well the restoration blends into the natural tooth structure.

Conclusion
Dentists have been seeking a simplified, less technique sensitive approach to clinical placement of posterior composites. Bulk fill flowable composites offer the benefits of accurate adaptation to the cavity preparation and elimination of incremental placement and condensation. Estelite Bulk Fill Flow (Tokuyama Dental) goes one step further by eliminating the need for an enamel “capping layer”; cavity preparations of up to 4mm depth can be filled entirely with one highly polishable flowable bulk fill increment. This technique offers the clinician a high-quality restorative option for a variety of clinical applications.

Oral Health welcomes this original article.

References

  1. Campodonico CE, Tantbirojan, D, Olin PS, Versluis A, Cuspal deflection and depth of cure in resin based composite restorations filled by using bulk, incremental, and trans tooth illumination techniques, JADA, 142 (10), October, 2011, pp. 1176-1182.
  2. Rees JS, et. al., A reappraisal of the incremental packing technique for light cured composite resins, J of Oral Rehab 2004; 31: 81-84.
  3. Flury S, Hayoz S, Peutzfeldt A, Hüsler J, Lussi A. Depth of cure of resin composites: is the ISO 4049 method suitable for bulk fill materials? Dent Mater. 2012 May; 28(5):521-8.
  4. El-Safty S, Silikas N, Akhtar R, Watts DC. Nanoindentation creep versus bulk compressive creep of dental resin-composites. Dent Mater. 2012 Nov; 28(11):1171-82.
  5. Ilie N, Bucuta S, Draenert M. Bulk-fill resin-based composites: an in vitro assessment of their mechanical performance. Oper Dent. 2013 Nov-Dec; 38(6):618-25.
  6. Roggendorf MJ, Krämer N, Appelt A, Naumann M, Frankenberger R. Marginal quality of flowable 4-mm base vs. conventionally layered resin composite. J Dent. 2011 Oct;39(10):643-7.

About the Author

Dr. Robert A. Lowe graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1982. He maintains a private practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, publishes and lectures internationally on aesthetic and restorative dentistry. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Rehabilitation at James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine – MUSC in Charleston, SC. Dr. Lowe can be reached at 704-450-3321 or at boblowedds@aol.com


RELATED ARTICLE: Fibre Reinforcing Composite Resins

RELATED NEWS

RESOURCES