Using adhesive dental materials means that only the decayed portion of the tooth is removed and the resulting filling is stronger than traditional fillings. “The introduction of adhesive bonding to teeth using resin composites as the technique of choice is an important change in the restorative curriculum. It is not just a change in materials and techniques but also a change in treatment philosophy”, explained Professor Robbie McConnell of the Cork Dental School.

Dental amalgam has proven to be a reliable restorative material but when the dentist prepares the cavity it involves cutting more tooth structure to create retentive grooves or undercuts to hold the material. However, with adhesive materials, the tooth preparation is considerably less. For example, decay on the biting surface of the tooth to be restored with dental amalgam occupies on average 25% of the biting surface. With composite resin adhesive restorations only that portion of the surface decayed is removed resulting in a restoration which on average is about 5% of the surface.  Furthermore, the tooth is strengthened more using adhesive materials than with an amalgam.

Professor McConnell stated that the changes in the curriculum will result in UCC graduates being at the forefront of modern dental techniques. New filling materials and techniques will be introduced into the 3rd year preclinical programme while 4th year crown and bridge programme will focus on the use of adhesives and ceramics as the materials of choice. “The reduced need for large preparations and the strengthening effect on the remaining tooth to give a stronger, healthier result are the principal reasons for the shift from dental metals to adhesive dentistry at Cork Dental School,” added Professor McConnell.

Picture: Professor Robbie McConnell

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