Microleakage Case Study

The optimum dental treatment for any patient is to restore teeth function and esthetic while removing the least amount of tooth structure, and replacing it with a dental material that will be biocompatible with the tooth and resist the hostile oral environment. Dental materials are incorporated into the teeth structure by retention. This retention can accomplished through mechanical, chemical adhesion or bonding mechanisms between materials and the dental structure. Mechanical retention is used when amalgam is placed, by securing it through undercuts, so that the floor is wider than the opening of the preparation. Composite materials or dental cements use a different type of retention, they use chemical adhesion or bonding.
Dental materials …show more content…
This is a serious concerned to the patient because after a restauration is placed, it might need to be replaced after a few months or years if there is microleakage. In case the patient does not return for regular checkup, this microleakage can lead to recurrent decay that may affect the pulp. In such circumstances, the patient might need a root canal, a post, and a crown. In the worst case scenario, the patient might need to have the tooth extracted and get a bridge or an implant and a crown. For the dental team, postoperative sensibility due to microleakage, may represent extra visits, making the patient uncomfortable and affecting the schedule of the office. If the dental team is being careless and ignoring the factors that affect adhesion, many patients might not be satisfied and this can affect the reputation of the practice. As it is commonly known, a happy customer is the best advertisement, but an unsatisfied customer will give you a bad reputation. . For these reasons, the whole dental team need to work together, in making sure that the adhesion of dental materials is ideal and the recommendation of the manufacture are followed to prevent any complications that might lead to the loss of teeth, money or