Two year clinical evaluation of a low-shrink resin composite material in UK general dental practices

OBJECTIVE: A novel resin composite system, Filtek Silorane (3M ESPE) with reduced polymerization shrinkage has recently been introduced. The resin contains an oxygen-containing ring molecule ('oxirane') and cures via a cationic ring-opening reaction rather than a linear chain reaction associated with conventional methacrylates and results in a volumetric shrinkage of ∼1%. The purpose of this study was to review the literature on a recently introduced resin composite material, Filtek Silorane, and evaluate the clinical outcome of restorations formed in this material. METHODS: Filtek Silorane restorations were placed where indicated in loadbearing situations in the posterior teeth of patients attending five UK dental practices. These were evaluated, after two years, using modified USPHS criteria. RESULTS: A total of 100 restorations, of mean age 25.7 months, in 64 patients, were examined, comprised of 30 Class I and 70 Class II. All restorations were found to be present and intact, there was no secondary caries. Ninety-seven per cent of the restorations were rated optimal for anatomic form, 84% were rated optimal for marginal integrity, 77% were rated optimal for marginal discoloration, 99% were rated optimal for color match, and 93%% of the restorations were rated optimal for surface quality. No restoration was awarded a "fail" grade. No staining of the restoration surfaces was recorded and no patients complained of post-operative sensitivity. SIGNIFICANCE: It is concluded that, within the limitations of the study, the two year assessment of 100 restorations placed in Filtek Silorane has indicated satisfactory clinical performance.