Posterior composites: Update on cavities and filling techniques.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to examine cavity design for posterior resin composite restorations and to discuss various resin composite filling techniques.

DATA: Literature with regard to cavity preparation for amalgam and resin composite restorations has been reviewed. An overview of available bulkfill resin composite systems is provided and a categorization of these systems according to their clinical application and their intended use is outlined.

SOURCES: A literature search was carried out by the authors in Medline.

STUDY SELECTION: Pre-defined inclusion criteria based on keywords were included and reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS: Minimum cavity preparations are advised for posterior resin composite restorations, preserving the greatest amount of healthy tooth structure. For resin composite restorations only the lesion of caries needs to be removed with all remaining tooth structure protected for the bonding process. The anticipated outcome of this philosophy will result in increased survival of teeth. Newer bulkfill restorative resins offer many advantages such as reduces time for placement.