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David C Sarrett

Publications and source records attributed to David C Sarrett.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

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.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Clinical challenges and the relevance of materials testing for posterior composite restorations.

Posterior composite restorations have been in use for approximately 30 years. The early experiences with this treatment indicated there were more clinical challenges and higher failure rates than amalgam restorations. Since the early days of posterior composites, many improvements in materials, techniques, and instruments for placing these restorations have occurred. This paper reviews what is known regarding current clinical challenges with posterior composite restorations and reviews the primary method for collecting clinical performance data. This review categorizes the challenges as those related to the restorative materials, those related to the dentist, and those related to the patient. The clinical relevance of laboratory tests is discussed from the perspective of solving the remaining clinical challenges of current materials and of screening new materials. The clinical problems related to early composite materials are no longer serious clinical challenges. Clinical data indicate that secondary caries and restoration fracture are the most common clinical problems and merit further investigation. The effect of the dentist and patient on performance of posterior composite restorations is unclear and more clinical data from hypothesis-driven clinical trials are needed to understand these factors. Improvements in handling properties to ensure void-free placement and complete cure should be investigated to improve clinical outcomes. There is a general lack of data that correlates clinical performance with laboratory materials testing. A proposed list of materials tests that may predict performance in a variety of clinical factors is presented. Polymerization shrinkage and the problems that have been attributed to this property of composite are reviewed. There is a lack of evidence that indicates polymerization shrinkage is the primary cause of secondary caries. It is recommended that composite materials be developed with antibacterial properties as a way of reducing failures due to secondary caries. Post-operative sensitivity appears to be more related to the dentin adhesives' ability to seal open dentinal tubules rather than the effects of polymerization shrinkage on cuspal deflections and marginal adaptation.

Bicuspid↗
PubMed2002

Tooth whitening today.

BACKGROUND: Methods to improve the esthetics of the dentition by tooth whitening are of interest to dentists, their patients and the public. In the past 20 years, research on bleaching and other methods of removing tooth discolorations has dramatically increased. Dentist-supervised and over-the-counter products now are available to solve a variety of tooth discoloration problems without restorative intervention. The indications for appropriate use of tooth-whitening methods and products are dependent on correct diagnosis of the discoloration. OVERVIEW: Tooth-whitening methods include the use of peroxide bleaching agents to remove internal discolorations or abrasive products to remove external stains. Peroxide bleaching procedures are completed by the dentist in single or multiple appointments, or by the patient over a period of weeks to months using custom trays loaded with a bleaching agent. Both methods are safe and effective when supervised by the dentist. Microabrasion is indicated for the removal of isolated discolorations that often are associated with fluorosis. Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains only through the polishing effect of the abrasives they contain. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Tooth whitening is a form of dental treatment and should be completed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan developed by a dentist after an oral examination. When used appropriately, tooth-whitening methods are safe and effective.

Dental Devices, Home Care↗