Bulk-fill resins in pediatric dentistry: case reports with six-month follow-up.

Abstract

Introduction: Minimally invasive dental procedures are aimed at recovering function and aesthetics in a practical manner, providing excellent treatment options. Bulk-fill composites offer some benefits, such as placement in single increments up to 4-mm thickness, decreased polymerization shrinkage, and general reduction in clinical time, while keeping aesthetic properties similar to those of conventional composite resins. Objective: To report two clinical cases of class I restorations in permanent molars with dentin carious lesions (ICDAS 4) treated with bulk-fill composites using the occlusal stamp technique. Cases were followed up for 6 months and the restorations were evaluated according to the World Dental Federation (FDI) and Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Case report: Restorations were performed using the following materials: Case 1 - Filtek™ bulk-fill flowable resin (3M ESPE) associated with Filtek Z350 XT resin (3M ESPE); Case 2 - Filtek bulk-fill packable resin (3M ESPE). Three blinded evaluators assessed the materials and techniques in the follow-up period. Results: Case 1 achieved the lowest scores by the FDI and USPHS criteria, presenting better aesthetic, functional, and biological properties. Conclusion: Both treatments were clinically satisfactory after 6 months. Bulk-fill composites are good materials, allowing for a fast, effective, and quality treatment for the pediatric patient.