Composite Resin – A Versatile Restorative Tool

Objectives: The study was carried out to demonstrate the use of composite resin restorations as a treatment option in several situations where conventional aesthetic restorations such as porcelain veneers, crowns and cream-metal crown could otherwise be placed. Methods and Materials: Patients who presented with restoration aesthetic challenges over a six months period were included in the study. Composite veneers, and anterior and posterior composite fillings were placed for consenting patients. Result: Thirty patients presented with aesthetic challenges including dislodged crowns, peg- shaped teeth, fractured porcelain facing on crowns/bridges, tetracycline stains, discoloration due to pulp hemorrhage/ necrosis, dental caries and enamel hyperplasia among others. Composite crowns were placed for 2 patients, composite veneers and GIC/ composite laminate restorations were placed for 23, while anterior and posterior composite filling were placed for 5 patients. Conclusion: Direct composite restorations such as composite crowns, composite veneers, GIC/ composite laminate restorations and composite fillings were successfully used as one visit treatment for patients who presented with restorative aesthetic challenges instead of conventional multi-visits cast restorations. It is hoped that this article will go a long way in re-emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift from wanton cutting of hard tooth tissue to create space for cast restorations to that of maximum preservation of such tissues by employing adhesive dentistry techniques and materials such as composite resins. Keywords: Dental aesthetic, Composite crowns, composite veneers, Composite filling, Adhesive dentistry.NQJHM Vol. 15 (4) 2005: pp. 159-16