Case report: direct cuspal coverage with resin composite

Case by Aleksandra Łyżwińska, Warsaw, Poland.

ABSTRACT

Indirect overlays are the contemporary restoration standard for posterior teeth with extensive hard tissue loss. They provide for cuspal coverage, which decreases the likeliness of coronal and/or root fracture. At the same time and in contrast to crowns, overlay preparations minimize the removal of sound tooth structure especially in the cervical region, which is a critical factor.¹ Modern dental resin composites allow for direct cuspal coverage in a single-visit appointment. The results of in-vitro studies suggest that these direct overlays are a suitable alternative to their indirect counterparts in specific situations.^2-6 The following case report is used to describe the direct restoration procedure by means of a maxillary right molar with an extensive, deep MOD lesion.

INTRODUCTION

In the context of treating a tooth with an extensive carious lesion, a biomechanical risk assessment should be performed. The primary method of reducing the likeliness of tooth fracture is treatment with a restoration that provides cuspal coverage. The contemporary gold standard for biomechanically compromised teeth are adhesively cemented overlays as an alternative to crowns.¹ Another option that does not involve labwork is a direct overlay restoration.^2-6 The direct approach is especially suitable for long-term temporization, which may be required during orthodontic treatment, for example.