Sealing of restorations with marginal defects does not affect their longevity

Purpose: To evaluate sealed amalgam and resin-based composite restorations after 12 years to determine whether sealing minor defects (micro-repairs) enhanced the longevity of restorations. Methods: 34 subjects aged 18-80 were recruited. This sample group underwent 137 restorations, including 51 resin-based composite (RC) and 86 amalgam (AM) restorations. Existing restorations with localized, marginal defects were assigned to one of two groups: (a) the Sealing group (n=48, 27 AM; 21 RC) or (b) the Control group (n=89, 59 AM; 30 RC). The quality of each restoration was scored according to the modified USPHS criteria by two examiners at the beginning of the study and after 1-5, 10, and 12 years. Kaplan Meier survival curves were created and a Cox regression was applied to investigate survival variables. Mantel Cox, Wilcoxon, and Friedman tests were performed for comparisons within groups. Results: After 12 years, no statistically significant differences were observed for the variables "restorative material" (P=0.538) or "sealing yes/no" (P=0.136) with respect to the longevity of the restorations. All groups behaved similarly with regard to marginal adaptation, secondary caries, and tooth sensitivity (P >= 0.05). Cumulatively, after a 12-year observation period, sealing minor restoration defects did not affect the longevity of the restorations.Fondecyt 117057

The influence of management of tooth wear on oral health-related quality of life

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the level of oral health-related quality of life and orofacial appearance in patients with moderate to severe tooth wear. Patients with and without a request for restorative treatment were included. Methods: One hundred twenty-four patients (98 men, 26 women, mean age: 40.5 ± 8.8 years) with moderate to severe tooth wear were included. Patients without a request for help received a non-restorative treatment of counseling and monitoring. Patients with a request for restorative treatment were treated with a full rehabilitation using composite resin restorations. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-NL) and Orofacial Esthetic Scale (OES-NL) questionnaires were filled in at baseline and after 1 year. Results: Counseling and monitoring group: baseline OHIP-NL score was 0.4 ± 0.3, baseline summary score of OES-NL was 48 ± 7.0, and baseline impression score was 7.1 ± 1.2. Scores had not changed significantly after 1 year (p = 1.00 after Bonferroni correction).Restoration group: baseline OHIP-NL score was 0.8 ± 0.6, baseline summary score of OES-NL was 38 ± 10, and baseline impression score was 5.9 ± 1.5. Scores had improved significantly after 1 year (p < 0.001 after Bonferroni correction). Conclusions: Counseling and monitoring did not result in a significant deterioration and restorative treatment resulted in a significant improvement of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and orofacial appearance in this patient group. Clinical significance: In patients with moderate to severe tooth wear, without functional and esthetical problems, counseling and monitoring may be an appropriate treatment option. Restorative treatment in patients with a need for treatment results in an improved OHRQoL. OHIP and OES questionnaires may be used to monitor changes in clinically relevant symptoms