Fracture resistance of premolar teeth restored with different filling techniques.

The aim of this study is to verify the fracture resistance of premolars with large mesiocclusodistal (MOD) preparations with composite resin using different incremental techniques when subjected to an occlusal load. Forty maxillary premolar teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n=10). Class II MOD cavities were prepared in all specimens with parallel walls and no approximal boxes. The resulting isthmus width was 1/3 the distance between the cusp tips and (3/4) the height of the crown. Teeth in group I, the control group, were not restored. Specimens in group II were restored in three incremental vertical layers. Group III specimens were restored in three horizontal layers, and finally, specimens in group IV were restored in oblique layers. With exception of the placement technique, specimens in groups II, III and IV were restored using the Single Bond adhesive system and P60 composite resin following manufacturer's recommendations. A 4 mm diameter steel sphere contacted the buccal and lingual cusps of the tested teeth at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture occurred. The values obtained in this study were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and a Tukey-Kramer test. Only group I (non-restored) obtained a minor means of fracture resistance. No significant differences among groups II, III, and IV were found. This study shows on large MOD cavities the incremental filling techniques do not influence the fracture resistance of premolar teeth restored with composite resin.