Clinical performance evaluation of a packable posterior composite in bulk-cured restorations.

Background: The authors evaluated the clinical performance of Prodigy Condensable (Kerr, Orange, Calif.) composite placed and cured in increments up to 5 millimeters thick.

Methods: The authors placed 57 Class II restorations in 32 patients in composite increments up to 5 mm thick. Using this technique, they placed the majority of restorations in one increment and then carved the occlusal and proximal anatomy before light curing. The authors evaluated the restorations at three, six, 12, 24 and 36 months.

Results: No restorations required replacement; however, 11 developed a defect requiring repair or continued observation. Of these 11, nine restorations developed defects on the margins of the restorations and two developed secondary caries. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of probability that a restoration would develop a defect during 36 months that would require immediate repair was 0.13. Postoperative sensitivity was not significantly different from preoperative sensitivity.

Conclusions: The authors found that no restorations required replacement and no increased postoperative sensitivity occurred.

Clinical Implications: The authors suggest that this composite material can be placed in a single increment up to 5 mm thick for Class II restorations.