3M ESPE Filtek LS Low Shrink Posterior Restorative System (3 yr)

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  THE DENTAL ADVISOR was the first to publish Long-term Clinical Performance Report results on ceramics, cements, composites, laboratory composites, and bonding agents. With over 24 years of data on these materials, THE DENTAL ADVISOR is capable of providing the long-term data many customers require.

3-Year Clinical Performance

Consultants' Comments

• “Good durability for large posterior
• “No postoperative sensitivity.”
• “Opacity provides good masking of stained dentin, which can be an advantage in posterior teeth."
• “Radiopacity is less apparent than Ithan Ithan I would like."

Description

3M ESPE Filtek LS Low Shrink Restorative is a posterior composite formulated to minimize polymerization shrinkage. The composite is light cured, radiopaque and is filled 55% by volume with inorganic fillers. The silorane chemistry of Filtek LS is very different compared to methacrylate-based resins, and a compatible bonding system is required. The LS System Adhesive Self-Etch Primer and Bond must be used with Filtek LS composite. The composite is available in shades A2, A3, B2, and C3 in syringes and unit-dose capsules. Both the composite and adhesive can be cured by a halogen or LED light. This composite received a 96% clinical rating.

Clinical Evaluation Protocol

• 280 Filtek LS restorations have been placed during a three-year period.
• LS System Adhesive was used to bond all restorations.
• Class I and Class II posterior restorations were placed 
(Figure 1).

• 148 restorations have been evaluated for clinical performance at various stages since placement (Figure 2).

• Clinical performance of restorations involved evaluation of Resistance to chipping/fracture, esthetics, resistance to marginal discoloration, wear resistance and lack of Post-operative sensitivity. Restorations were rated on a 1-5 rating scale: 1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = very good, 5 = excellent (Figure 3).

Clinical Observations

Resistance to chipping/fracture
All Filtek LS restorations were still in function during the first three years of placement (Figure 3). Two molar restorations exhibited small chips that did not require repair or replacement.

Esthetics
All Filtek LS restorations had acceptable esthetics at recall (Figure 3). The esthetic demands of posterior restorations are limited to general shade match and blending, which Filtek LS accomplished. Six restorations rated “good” to “very good” rather than excellent, as a result of a darkening or yellowing of the composite. The limited number of shades was adequate for most cases. One restoration was reported to have a rough, grainy surface.

Resistance to Marginal Discoloration
Filtek LS restorations remained well sealed, with very little marginal staining or leakage noted (Figure 3). The proprietary self-etch bonding agent, LS System Adhesive was used for bonding in all cases. Only three of the 148 restorations had visible staining at the margins.

Wear Resistance
No signs of wear were seen on most of the restorations recalled (Figure 3). One restoration, tooth #30-occlusal, sustained wear at the margin, requiring repair of that area.

Lack of Post-operative Sensitivity
One instance of slight post-operative sensitivity was reported by patients when asked at their recall appointments (Figure 3).

Summary

3M ESPE Filtek LS Low Shrink Restorative was used in conjunction with the self-etching bonding agent LS System Adhesive in restoring 280 teeth. This low-shrink composite is based on a new chemistry for direct restoration of posterior teeth. Placement and recall of restorations has been ongoing for three years. All restorations remained intact during this time. Marginal staining, wear and post-operative sensitivity were minimal.