Study of the Success and Survival of Dental Composite Restorations Being Repaired Instead of Being Replaced

Replacement Versus Repair of Composite Restorations, a Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of this trial is to compare the success (as assessed by a pre-defined set of outcome) of failing composite resin restorations that are repaired using diamond bur induced surface abrasion, to those that are completely replaced.

It is hypothesized that both treatment will have comparable success rate.

This study is a single-blind randomized non-inferiority trial using parallel groups.

Patients recruited into the study will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Subjects allocated to Group 1 will have their defective restoration completely replaced while subjects allocated to Group 2 will have their defective restoration repaired.

The success of the treatments will be assessed immediately following the intervention (baseline) and 12 months later.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients of the Dalhousie University Dental Clinic who are:
• Age 18 and over
• Capable of providing informed consent
• Asymptomatic permanent teeth with class III, IV, V or veneer composite restorations on the facial/buccal surface, requiring treatment (e.g. stain, chipping or color discrepancy).
• Restoration must present with a portion (mesial, distal, gingival or occlusal) that can be completely retained to allow repair.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with contra-indications for regular dental treatment based on their medical history
• Teeth with active caries
• Teeth with multiple overlapping composite restorations
• Patients with uncontrolled periodontal disease
• Restorations smaller than 3mm diameter