Comparison Of Contact And Contour For Posterior Teeth Using Three Different Matrix System – An In Vivo Study

Abstract

Aim- To compare the contact and contour for posterior teeth using three matrix system.

Materials and Method-Patients who had proximal lesions on the mandibular molars were subjected to bite wing radiograph for establishment of proximal caries. A total of 30 teeth were selected for restorations and divided into 3 groups-Group I –Palodent plus Matrix System (Dentsply Caulk, USA) was used to restore 10 teeth; Group II –Palodent sectional matrix system (Dentsply Caulk, USA) was used to restore 10 teeth;Group III – comprised of Tofflemire matrix band and retainer system with stainless steel bands, (SS white, Lakewood, USA), 10 teeth were restored using the Tofflemire matrix band and retainers. Cavity preparation was done and all the restorations were performed by one operator. The proximal contacts were recorded using Floss and USPHS scale. The operator evaluated the restorations at baseline and at 6 months according to the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria17, including retention, marginal discolouration, secondary caries and marginal adaptation at the cervical and enamel margins. The patients were asked to record whether any sensitivity, pain or discomfort (yes⁄ no) occurred before and after the treatment to air from the dental unit. Statistical analyses used Mc Nemar’s test at a significance level of p = 0.05. As a measurement of agreement between the examiners, Cohen’s Kappa statistic was used.

Result-The use of separation rings in Palodent Plus and Palodent in class II composite restorations in mandibular molars resulted in tighter proximal contact than Tofflemire retainers.

Conclusion-Restoration done with Palodent Plus resulted in least failures as compared to Palodent and Tofflemire retainers. The use of separation rings does not contribute to any additional improvement in proximal contours than what can be achieved Tofflemire retainers .All matrix system resulted in satisfactory restorations for the duration of 6 months.