The outcome of direct composite restorations using the dental operating microscope

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to compare the outcome of direct composite restorations, with and without the use of additional magnification. METHODS: Twenty extracted molars were selected for the study. Class 1 Black cavities were prepared. All teeth were etched, and bonding agent was applied. Teeth were assigned randomly into two groups of ten each. Group I: restorations were done without the use of magnification, first by placing a layer of SDR® flow +Bulk Fill Flowable on the base of the cavity, and then restoring the morphology with Ceram.X SphereTEC® One. Group II: the same protocol was applied, but using the dental microscope. Teeth were then evaluated before and after finishing the protocol by 5 dental professionals using a series of established criteria. The results were documented and statistically analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found when using magnification, before the polishing protocol in “marginal adaptation integrity” and “excess material”, and after polishing in “marginal adaptation integrity”. CONCLUSIONS: Magnification may be used to increase the quality of the final direct posterior restoration by improving the marginal adaptation integrity, reducing excess material, preventing marginal microleakage, and avoiding subsequent failure.