Understanding Today's Bulk-fill Posterior Composite Restoration Techniques

The most common challenges associated with conventional direct composite restorations include the time- and labor-intensive nature of adapting the composite material to tooth structure and previously placed composite layers to help ensure restorative success. Selecting and performing the proper bulk composite placement technique based on cavity/preparation depth remains essential to long-treatment functionality. This article reviews the characteristics of bulk-fill composites and outlines technique recommendations for preventing polymerization shrinkage, postoperative sensitivity, and microleakage.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Discuss the reasons traditional direct posterior composite restorations must be incrementally layered.

• Explain the significance of the C-factor to posterior restoration success.

• Describe techniques for placing posterior restorations using bulk-fill composites.

• Discuss the benefits of dual-cure bulk-fill composites.

About the Author

Todd C. Snyder, DDS
Private Practice, Laguna Niguel, California