Low-shrinkage composites: an in vitro evaluation of sealing ability after occlusal loading.

The objective of this in vitro study was to compare the microleakage of a flowable low-shrinkage-stress resin composite--in a Class II fatigue-loading design when used as a 4 mm dentin replacement--to a conventionally layered silorane-based resin composite. Eighty standardized 4 mm deep cavities, divided into 4 subgroups, were restored with the 2 tested materials. Half of the restorations were submitted to mechanical loading, and all of the restorations were prepared for microleakage evaluation.

Current status of conservative treatment of deep carious lesions.

Traditionally, deep carious lesions are treated by removal of all carious tissue, which may lead to pulp exposure. To minimize this risk, conservative carious tissue removal techniques have been proposed, including partial removal and stepwise excavation. However, there is no consensus in the literature about which is the better technique.