Consultants’ Comments

• “Excellent esthetics.”
• “No post-operative sensitivity.”
• “The composite is slightly opaque, which can be an advantage in posterior teeth.”
• “Nice radiopacity.”

Description

3M ESPE Filtek™ LS Low Shrink Posterior Restorative System is a posterior composite based on new resin chemistry, silorane, which minimizes polymerization shrinkage and stress. The composite is a light cured, radiopaque composite with 55% by volume of inorganic fillers. The LS System Adhesive Self-Etch Primer and Bond must be used with Filtek LS composite exclusively. The composite is available in shades A2, A3, B2, and C3 in syringes and unit-dose capsules. Both the composite and adhesive can be cured by a halogen or LED light. This product received a 96% clinical rating.

Clinical Evaluation Protocol

• 225 Filtek LS restorations were placed in 143 patients.

• LS System Adhesive was used to bond all restorations.

• Class I and Class II posterior restorations were placed (Figure 1).

• 39 restorations were available for evaluation of clinical performance at one year after placement.

• At recall restorations were evaluated on a 1-5 rating scale: 1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = very good, 5 = excellent.

Figure 1

Clinical Observations

Fracture Resistance

Ninety-seven percent of Filtek LS restorations were intact during the first year in service (Figure 2). One molar restoration exhibited a small chip that did not require repair or replacement.

Esthetics

All Filtek LS restorations were rated very good to excellent at recall (Figure 2). The limited number of shades was adequate for most cases. The cured composite has a very hard surface. With adequate attention to finishing and polishing, a smooth surface can be obtained.

Resistance to Marginal Discoloration

Filtek LS restorations were placed with its dedicated self-etch bonding agent, LS System Adhesive. Ninety-five percent of restorations had no visible staining at the margins (Figure 2).

Wear resistance

No visible signs of wear were seen on 97% of the restorations recalled (Figure 2). Likewise, no apparent wear was noted on the opposing dentition.

Sensitivity

No post-operative sensitivity to temperature or pressure was reported by patients when they were asked at their recall appointments (Figure 2).

Figure 2

Summary

Filtek LS is a composite for direct restoration of posterior teeth based on a new silorane resin chemistry which enables minimal polymerization shrinkage and stress. 3M ESPE Filtek™ LS Low Shrink Posterior Restorative System was used in conjunction with its self-etch bonding agent LS System Adhesive in restoring 225 teeth in 143 patients. The restorations were evaluated at recall up to one year after placement. All restorations remained intact during this time. Marginal staining was minimal, and no sensitivity was reported with the restorations.