What is the limit for composite restorations?

Abstract

Extensive tooth tissue loss due to caries, trauma or tooth-surface loss has traditionally been treated with crowns. However, this results in further depletion of the remaining structural tooth tissue, sometimes requiring use of the root canal space for post and core restorations to retain the crown. This paper explores the use of occlusal-coverage direct composite restorations as a conservative alternative to destructive conventional indirect restorations. In combination with the use of short-fibre reinforced composite (SFRC) the author suggests that it is possible and desirable to restore extensively damaged teeth that would otherwise require a post-crown or possibly even extraction.