CLINICAL
How to use a universal single-shade composite for a class II restoration Troy Schmedding1
Introduction In an article published in the Journal of Dental Education, Class II resin composite restorations were 10 times more likely to be replaced at no cost to the patient than Class II dental amalgam restorations.1 That said, Class II procedural efficiency and a streamlined workflow should be a priority for every dental practice. The case featured in this article utilizes a universal single-shade composite that saves time by eliminating the need to determine and select the right composite shade for posterior restorations. Having to stock only 1 shade reduces inventory and accomplishes most everyday direct restorative needs. Case Presentation
A 61-year-old healthy man presented with an existing occlusal amalgam and a mesial marginal ridge fracture with recurrent decay on tooth #18. Additionally, tooth #19 had lost a prior occlusal restoration with decay present (Figure 1). Because of the minimal amount of tooth structure involved, it was decided to remove the existing amalgam on tooth #18 and incorporate the mesial fracture and decay. Tooth #19 was treatment-planned on the same principle of being as conservative as possible and simply restoring with a direct resin composite. Technique Step 1: DryShield® from DryShield LLC was placed as we began to remove the
existing occlusal amalgam on tooth #18 as well as fractured marginal ridge decay in both teeth. Troy Schmedding, DDS, AAACD Private practice, Walnut Creek, Ca., USA Email: troy.schmedding.dds@gmail.com 1
Step 2: CARIES DETECTOR from Kuraray Noritake was applied to ensure decay
removal was properly achieved (Figure 2). Step 3 & 4: The remaining decalcified portions shown in pink were removed utilizing
4 INTERNATIONAL DENTISTRY AUSTRALASIAN EDITION VOL.16, NO. 3
