Restoration of an amalgam-stained tooth with bulk-fill composite resin: a case report

Abstract

Recently, composite resins that have low shrinkage and low polymerization stress have been released, the so-called Bulk-Fill composites. These are intended to offer the dental surgeon the possibility of inserting increments of up to 4 mm, making the restorative procedure faster. Objective: to present, through a case report, the clinical protocol for restoration of a posterior tooth with darkened substrate using a Bulk-Fill composite resin. Case report: the unsatisfactory silver amalgam restoration of tooth 16 was removed. Then, using a two-step self-etching adhesive, the bonding technique was performed to restore the cavity. Due to the discolored dentin substrate, an opacifying agent was applied to the bottom of the cavity, and then was photoactivated. The restoration was performed with a single increment of Bulk-Fill resin composite. The finishing and polishing procedures were performed using abrasive rubbers. Result: at the end, an aesthetically satisfactory restoration was obtained with the aid of the opacifying agent. Conclusion: it is possible to perform restorations faster with Bulk-Fill composites. However, as it is an essentially translucent material, the use of an opacifying agent in discolored tooth substrate is recommended, in order to obtain an aesthetically satisfactory result.