The first step is cavity preparation. The purpose of cavity preparation is to remove the decay along with a small amount of healthy tooth structure. This is done to provide a solid foundation for the restorative dental material. You will find it necessary to review cavity classifications in Chapter 12 to understand the different types of tooth preparations.

The dentist will use a high-speed handpiece, a variety of burs, and hand instruments to accomplish this step. Once the decay is removed, the dentist will utilize the high-speed handpiece with a different shaped bur to place retentive grooves in the preparation. These small grooves in the tooth allow the material to flow into the groove area, harden, and create the retentive process.

The dentist determines the type of restorative material based on the size, shape, and location of the preparation. With small preparations, an amalgam or composite material can be placed directly over sound dentin. With deeper preparations, a cavity liner, base, and bonding material may be required before the amalgam or composite is placed.

The universal retainer and matrix band is the system most commonly used when placing posterior restorations (Figure 21-1). The retainer firmly holds the matrix in place. A matrix is a metal or clear plastic band used to replace the missing proximal wall of a tooth during placement of the restorative material. (“Matrix” is singular. The plural is “matrices.”) Clear plastic matrices are used for anterior composite restorations.

A wedge is triangular or round and is supplied in wood or plastic (Figure 21-2). The wedge is available in different sizes depending on the location and space between the teeth. By placing a wedge, you are creating the proper anatomic contour of a restoration.

Posterior Matrix System

The matrix band and universal retainer should be assembled before the procedure to save time during the procedure.

Matrix Bands

Matrix bands selected for Class II posterior restorations are made of a flexible stainless steel and are available in universal and extension sizes. The band wraps around the tooth, creating a temporary wall (Figure 21-3).

Before the band and the retainer are assembled, the band should be contoured in the proximal area so that it can make proper contact with the adjacent tooth (Figure 21-4). To contour the band, place the band on a paper pad, using a burnisher or handle end of cotton pliers. Rub the inner surface of the band until the ends begin to curl. This thins the band and provides a normal curvature of the band to fit around the tooth.

Universal Retainer

The universal retainer, also referred to as Tofflemire retainer, is a device that holds the matrix band in position. The components of the universal retainer are described in Figure 21-5.

See Procedure 21-1: Assembling a Matrix Band and Universal Retainer.

Anterior Matrix System

A clear plastic matrix strip is the matrix of choice for Class III and IV anterior restorations. Composite resins have inorganic filler particles that could be scratched or marked if a stainless steel matrix system were used.

The plastic matrix strip is supplied already contoured or as a clear flat strip that is contoured (rounded) to adapt to the shape of the tooth. To contour the strip, pull it lengthwise over the handle of a mouth mirror (Figure 21-6). The strip is placed between the teeth (similar to dental floss) before etching of the tooth and placement of the restorative material. The strip is then pulled tightly around the tooth to adapt the composite to the natural contour of the tooth. The matrix is held in place by hand or with a retainer clip until the composite has been light-cured.

Wedges

Wedges are used for all Class II, III, and IV matrix systems. A wedge is placed into the embrasure to hold the matrix band firmly against the gingival margin of the preparation (Figure 21-7). This allows the dentist to carve the restorative dental material back to the original normal contour and normal contact of the tooth. If the contact is not there, the tooth could drift slightly, allowing food to impact the area, creating problems for the patient.

Cotton pliers or Howe pliers are used to firmly place the wedge into the embrasure. If a universal retainer is used, the retainer is situated from the buccal side of the tooth, and the wedge is inserted from the lingual side

See Procedure 21-2: Placing and Removing a Matrix Band and Wedge for a Class II Restoration (Expanded Function).

A permanent restoration can range from a small class I restoration to an extensive class II multisurface foundation. With the exception of steps added to the procedure by using supplementary accessories and dental materials, a restorative procedure will follow a standardized format.

See Procedure 21-3: Assisting in a Class II Amalgam Restoration, and Procedure 21-4: Assisting in a Class III or IV Composite Restoration.

Retention pins provide internal strength to the material placed (Figure 21-8). These pins are available in a variety of diameters (widths) and styles to fit all sizes of teeth. Because all retention pins are very small (about half the size of a bur) and are easily dropped, the dental dam should be indicated for this procedure.

A veneer is a thin layer of tooth-colored material that can be directly bonded onto the tooth or fabricated in the laboratory using a porcelain material and then cemented to the tooth surface (Figure 21-9).

This technique is used to improve the appearance of teeth that are slightly abraded, eroded, or discolored from stains or from an endodontic treatment. Veneers can also be used to improve the alignment of teeth or to close a diastema.

Vital bleaching, also referred to as tooth whitening, is a technique that involves actually whitening of the external surfaces of the teeth. This desired whitening is done for esthetic purposes, not for restorative purposes (Figure 21-10).