Use of bulk composites for the treatment of direct restoration in the fourth quadrant

A clinical case by our Community members Dr. Simona Chirico

This article and its content are published under the Author’s responsibility as an expression of the Author’s own ideas and practice. Styleitaliano denies any responsibility about the visual and written content of this work.

The use of bulk composites has become increasingly widespread in recent years, thanks to their mechanical, functional, and aesthetic properties. A case of direct restoration at the level of the fourth quadrant is illustrated below.

Initial radiological situation and isolation with rubber dam

Fig.1
Initial radiological situation and isolation with rubber dam. The patient presented multiple carious lesions involving elements 44,45,46,47. Therefore the proposed treatment plan was to perform direct restorations.

Cavities preparation

Fig.2
The cavities were prepared for direct restoration: class II on 45 and 46; class I on 44 and 47.

Application of a universal adhesive

Fig.3
Adhesion protocols performed: application of a universal adhesive.

Matrices placement

Fig.4
Restoration of the mesial cavity on 46, and positioning of the sectional matrices for the creation of the marginal ridges of 45.

Marginal ridges completed

Fig.5
Marginal ridges completed on 45.

Composite placement

Fig.6
Cavities were filled in a single increment of SimpliShade Bulk Fill Universal Composite by Kerr, which was adapted, and excess material was removed. The occlusal surfaces were then shaped following the Espresso posterior lines technique, saving valuable time.

Characterization with brown stains

Fig.7
Characterization with brown stains.

Result after removing the rubber dam

Fig.8
Result after removing the rubber dam.

Occlusal check

Fig.9
Occlusal check.

1 year follow-up

Fig.10
Radiological control after 1 year follow-up.

1 year follow-up

Fig.11
Clinical control after 1 year follow-up.

Conclusions

This clinical case demonstrates the versatility of bulk-fill composites. Their use simplifies direct restorative procedures, ensuring efficiency, predictability, and excellent clinical outcomes. These approaches streamline workflows while maintaining high standards of functionality and aesthetics.

Bibliography

  1. Chiodera G, Monterubbianesi R, Tosco V, Papini O, Orsini G, Putignano A. Application of Bulk- Fill Composite to Simplify the Cementation of Indirect Restorations: The COMBO Technique. Dent J (Basel). 2024 Jul 29;12(8):239. doi: 10.3390/dj12080239. PMID: 39195083; PMCID: PMC11352567.
  2. Putignano A, Tosco V, Monterubbianesi R, Vitiello F, Gatto ML, Furlani M, Giuliani A, Orsini G. Comparison of three different bulk-filling techniques for restoring class II cavities: μCT, SEM-EDS combined analyses for margins and internal fit assessments. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2021 Dec;124:104812. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104812. Epub 2021 Sep 3. PMID: 34500356.
  3. Refaey HS, Abdelkader SH, Aly YM. Fracture resistance and marginal fit of three different overlay designs using advanced zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate CAD/CAM material. BMC Oral Health. 2025 Jan 4;25(1):20. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-05315-1. PMID: 39755589; PMCID: PMC11699763.
  4. Hardan L, Devoto W, Bourgi R, Cuevas-Suárez CE, Lukomska-Szymanska M, Fernández- Barrera MÁ, Cornejo-Ríos E, Monteiro P, Zarow M, Jakubowicz N, Mancino D, Haikel Y, Kharouf N. Immediate Dentin Sealing for Adhesive Cementation of Indirect Restorations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Gels. 2022 Mar 11;8(3):175. doi: 10.3390/gels8030175. PMID: 35323288; PMCID: PMC8955250.

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