November 2008 | Dental Products Report
Technique: Filtek™ LS Low Shrink Posterior Restorative System
Advances in composite dentistry yield high-impact results with low shrinkage to ensure quality margins.
Information provided by 3M ESPE; Dentistry provided by Dr. Gabriel Krastl, Department of Periodontology, Endodontics and Cariology, University of Basel, Switzerland.
| |  | Posterior restorative system • Exceptional compressive strength for stress-bearing restorations • High flexural strength protects the tooth from fractures and simultaneously stabilizes it • Wear resistance comparable to composites • Clinically proven strength and durability |
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When restoring a tooth, a dentist takes great care to ensure a “perfect margin,” providing a smooth transition between tooth structure and restoration. Yet, even with a perfect technique, achieving lasting marginal integrity is a challenge because all composites shrink. Shrinkage is intrinsic to resin chemistry. This is why, to date, no methacrylate-based composite has solved the shrinkage problem.
Developed after 10 years of research, Filtek™ LS Low Shrink Posterior Restorative System is reportedly the first composite to achieve less than 1% volumetric shrinkage and can help ensure excellent margins. It also can help alleviate clinical symptoms associated with volumetric shrinkage, polymerization stress and marginal gaps.
The following cases demonstrate techniques for posterior restorations using Filtek LS restorative. All of the restorations presented were performed with a single composite, and no stains were used for customization.
Case Presentation 1
This case study focuses on the restoration of a maxillary molar.
1. The existing, inadequate restoration led to the development of secondary caries and, presumably as a consequence, to a fracturing of the distolingual cusp (Fig. 1). The existing restoration was removed, exposing the caries (Fig. 2).
2. Following complete removal of the caries, 3M ESPE LS System Adhesive Self-Etch Primer was applied with a black microbrush, followed by gentle air dispersion and light curing (Fig. 3).
3. Next, the 3M ESPE LS System Adhesive Bond was applied with the green microbrush, followed by gentle air dispersion and light curing (Fig. 4).
4. Filtek LS restorative was applied to the cavity. The distolingual wall was built up to create a purely occlusal cavity, making it easy to achieve an anatomically correct restoration by applying horizontal and diagonal layers (Figs. 5 and 6). The buccal sections of the occlusal surface also were built up (Fig. 7).
5. After removal of the rubber dam, the occlusion was checked. Minor corrections to the distolingual cusp of the tooth were required.
Two weeks after treatment, the restoration was virtually invisible, thanks to the material’s chameleon effect and the enamel-like surface after polishing (Fig. 8).
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Fig. 1 Cusp fracture and secondary caries on tooth No. 14 before treatment. | Fig. 2 Removal of inadequate restoration and exposure of caries. | Fig. 3 After caries removal, 3M ESPE Filtek LS System Adhesive Self-Etch Primer was applied. This was followed by gentle air dispersion and light curing. |
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Fig. 4 3M ESPE Filtek LS System Adhesive Bond was applied, followed by gentle air dispersion and light curing.
| Fig. 5 Build-up of marginal ridge and distolingual cusp. | Fig. 6 Application of Filtek LS Low Shrink Posterior Restorative. |
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Fig. 7 Build-up of buccal sections of occlusal surface. | Fig. 8 Buccal view of the restoration after 2 weeks. | |
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