Replacement of resin-based composite: Evaluation of cavity design, cavity depth, and shade matching

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different cavity designs, cavity depths, and shade matching on the dimensions of Class I resin-based composite preparations during replacement of the restoration. Method and materials: Forty Class I cavity preparations were prepared in extracted premolars. The occlusal depths varied from 1.5 to 2.5 mm. In 20 teeth, the buccal and lingual walls were perpendicular to the pulpal floor; in another 20, they were divergent to the pulpal floor. Impressions were made of all preparations. The cavities were restored with resin-based composite. All subgroups were further divided into another two subgroups (n = 5), in which half of the teeth were restored with shade that matched the tooth and the other half were restored with a resin composite that was three shades different from the tooth. After 168 hours in distilled water, the restorations were removed. New impressions were made, and a total of 80 stone casts were fabricated. The perimeter and area of the restorations were recorded with a video-based imaging system. The dimensions of the postoperative cavity preparations were compared to the initial cavity sizes. Results: The depth of the original cavity preparation had a statistically significant effect on the change in cavity dimension, as measured by area and perimeter. The 2.5-mm-deep cavities showed greater loss of tooth structure. No statistically significant difference was found for different cavity designs or shade matching. Conclusion: Replacement of Class I resin-based composite restorations results in loss of tooth structure. The deeper the original cavity preparation, the greater the loss of tooth structure at the occlusal cavosurface margin during replacement.