Past course: “Adhesive strategies in composite restorations – clinical decisions and application techniques”

Course description

Introduction: Composite restorations are part of the daily work of the dental practice. The choice of adhesive system and the technique for its application are key factors for achieving long-lasting, well-adapted and functional obturation. Difficult clinical decisions in composite restorations are complemented by the challenges of satisfying both aesthetic parameters and ensuring resistance during  chewing, temperature and acid attacks.

1. Theoretical part: Within 2 academic hours, basic theoretical and practical questions are discussed including:

• History and present of the adhesive strategy;
• Great innovations in adhesion that guarantee the durability and longevity of the adhesive bond in functional environment: masticatory forces, temperature stress and acid attacks;
• Golden standards in adhesion to enamel, dentin and the surface of biomaterials. Critical analysis;
• Rules and working technique in different clinical situations in the posterior area and the smile. Selection of adhesive system and composite material in specific clinical situations: high risk of caries, bruxism, coronary fracture in acute trauma.

2. Demonstration part: Within 2 academic hours, the course presenter introduces to the participants the golden standards available on the Bulgarian market, including: adhesive systems, conventional and liquid composites, highly filled composition materials, as well as the tools and matrix systems supporting good recovery. Next is a demonstration of adhesive cavity and restoration of molar in a limited and extensive carious lesion, as well as a simulated oblique fracture in the front. The demonstrations are on phantom models and/or extracted teeth, including the application of golden standards adhesive systems and composite materials to achieve aesthetic and long-term sustainable restorations.

3. Practical part: Under supervision and assistance by the course presenter within 4 academic hours, the partisipants perform the following procedures – adhesive and extensive cavity preparation and a restoration on molars, as well as obturation of a simulated coronary fracture on a central incisor following the clinical tips and tricks for invisible filling in the smile segment. The course ends with an individual completion of a final assessment test and a satisfaction survey.