Clinical performance of composite restorations in patients with tooth wear

Objectives: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate retrospectively the clinical performance of direct composite restorations in the treatment of patients with severe tooth wear.

Methods: 18 patients (15 male, 3 female) needing restorative treatment for severe tooth wear including an increase of the occlusal vertical dimension were treated between March 1997 and July 2007 by the same operator. From the dental records, information about re-intervention and replacement of restorations was obtained. After 4 months to 11 years patients were clinically examined by an independent investigator to evaluate the status of the restorations. Additionally, patients were interviewed about their satisfaction with the restorative treatment using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Longevity was calculated using Kaplan Meier statistics.

Results: Of the 338 treated teeth 18 restorations showed failures (5.3%). 8 restorations (2.4%) needed repair or replacement, 5 due to restoration fracture, 2 due to trauma and 1 due to secondary caries. 10 failures (2.9%) did not need a restorative intervention. Of these failures, 1 restoration was lost and 9 were minor fractures. After 7 years, Kaplan Meier Analysis resulted in an annual failure rate of 1.4% for the direct composite restorations. VAS data on a scale 0-10 revealed high patient satisfaction with this type of restoration directly after treatment (mean 9.1) as well as at the final examination (mean 8.8).

Conclusions: Direct composite resin restorations placed for the treatment of severe tooth wear showed a good clinical performance and high patient satisfaction.