Effect of Bruxism on the Clinical Success of Posterior Composite Restorations

In studies that have conducted long-term follow-ups of posterior composite restorations (PCRs), the most common causes of failure are secondary caries, wear, and fractures. The success of PCRs is influenced by several factors: oral hygiene habits, caries risk, size of the carious lesion, occlusal relationships, presence of parafunctional habits, physical properties of the material used, tooth region in which the restoration is placed, size and location of the restoration, and chewing habits and forces. In addition, the literature suggests that PCRs have a low wear resistance. While this characteristic is considered to offer an advantage in the presence of parafunctional habits, its effect on the success of PCRs under excessive occlusal stress remains a subject of debate. There are many prospective and retrospective studies evaluating the performance of restorations; however, literature on the success of composite resin materials when applied as direct restorations of ETT in patients with bruxism is limited. Furthermore, with the continuous development and introduction of new adhesive techniques and improvements in the composition of composite resin materials, clinical studies need to be updated regularly to assess the performance of restorations.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 18-40 years, PCRs after endodontic treatment,
• Restorations up to 5 years,
• Class 1 and 2 restorations with a maximum of 3 wall loss according to cavity classification and not involving the cusps,
• Patients with low and moderate caries risk, and those with an occlusion classified as Class 1 Angle.

Exclusion criteria

• Teeth without antagonists;
• patients with crossbite; mobile teeth;
• teeth diagnosed with acute apical/periodontal abscess;
• presence of severe periodontal disease;
• presence of systemic diseases;
• pregnant and breastfeeding women;
• patients who had amalgam, post, or indirect methods chosen for definitive restoration after endodontic treatment;
• restorations performed more than 5 years ago;
• patients aged <18 or >40 years;
• restorations involving the cusps,
• patients with high caries risk, and non-dental plaque biofilm-induced gingival diseases.