Repair of direct composite restorations. Assessment of methodologies selectected by Lithuania’s dentists

Direct composite restorations are becoming popular worldwide, therefore repair of such restorations is a relevant topic for dentists. Due to selection of minimal invasive treatment techniques, doctors choose repair procedures more often than replacement of entire restoration. However, the correct preparation of substrate for optimal bond strength between substrate and new composite material is a challenge as until nowadays, an optimal universally applicable repairing technique for all types of composite restorations has not been described Relevance of the problem and aim of the work: to identify the relevance and expediency of repair of direct composite restorations, and the most commonly used repair methodologies among dentists in Lithuania. Material and methods: anonymous questionnaires were used to conduct a survey, targeting general dentists, prosthodontists, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, endodontists and oral surgeons. Data gathering and analysis software „IBM SPSS statistics” has been used for the statistical analysis of collected data. Results: Composite repairs are mostly used for fractures, wear, discoloration of restoration margins. For different kinds of repairs (fracture of front tooth restoration margin or molar with left intactive part of restoration) doctors use repair methodology - grinding of substrate with red fine diamond bur, surface etching for 20s. with 37% phosphoric acid and 5 dental adhesive system. Less than a half doctors use methodology recommended by literature - sandblasting with aluminum oxidum powder or Cojet sand, application of silane coupling agen which create micro mechanical and chemical bonds. Conclusions: Direct composite repairs are relevant and often used among Lithuania’s dentists. Usage of repair methodology which is being commonly chosen by Lithuania's dentists can be ineffective, because micro mechanical retention and chemical adhesion are not created