Background: Performing an appropriate Class II direct restoration is a great challenge. The correct selection of the matrix system and the elements used for its stabilization will have a great impact on the result. The aim of this study is to show a new digital method for a predictable selection of the wedge and compare it with the conventional method. Methods: Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups. In Group 0, the wedge was selected intraoperatively by visual examination, while in Group 1 the wedge was selected preoperatively through the measurement of the cervical embrasure on the bite-wing radiography. The number of wedges used, modifications to them, and tissue damage were registered, along with the quality of the proximal contact and the marginal adaptation. Results: Student’s t-test revealed a statistical difference between the number of wedges used, which was higher in Group 0 (p < 0.05). Pearson Chi-square test showed that tissue damage was statistically higher in Group 0 (p < 0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference between groups in wedge modifications (p > 0.05). Group 1 revealed a higher frequency of satisfactory proximal contact and marginal adaptation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This new technique reduces wedges waste and tissue damage and provides an adequate interproximal anatomy.

The study of bioactive materials, such as MTA cement, and the availability of this material to clinical professionals are an important step towards conservative treatments, however the using technique of this material is still restricted to practitioners in the field of endodontics. Case reports with short, medium and long-term follow-up are significant data for a reproducible, low-cost technique that is well accepted among professionals. Here we present two case reports with the application of bioactive cements in a tooth with pulp exposure and in another one with deep carious lesion, pulp exposure and open apex. In both cases, definitive restoration was performed in the same visit with favorable prognosis and without the need of endodontic treatment. After one year follow-up, it is underlined the dentin bridge formation in the region of pulp exposure in both cases and complete maturation of the apex in the second case.

Introduction. The interproximal relationship is defined as the relationship between the neighboring teeth within the same dental arch or the relationship that exists between the mesial surface of one tooth and the distal surface of the adjacent tooth. As a component of the interproximal ensemble, interdental contact is the anatomofunctional unit that contributes to the stabilization of teeth, maintains the integrity of the dental arch, protects the papilla and prevents food impaction. Objective of the study. The radiographic assessment of proximal morphology, marginal adaptation of restorations, and the positioning of obtained interdental contact in lateral teeth. Material and methods. The study included 80 digital bitewing radiographs in which proximal restorations on lateral teeth were evaluated for morphology by assessing the presence of a concave, convex, or straight surface; cervical adaptation by identifying a harmonious transition between the tooth and the restoration or a marginal step; interdental contact by determining its position in the cervico-occlusal direction. Results. Out of the 80 proximal restorations analyzed in lateral teeth, 34 were on mesial surfaces and 46 on distal surfaces. 58 restorations exhibited a convex emergence profile, 2 - concave, and 20 - straight. 53 restorations showed a harmonious cervical adaptation, while 27 revealed the presence of a marginal step, ranging from a minimum of 0.1 mm to a maximum of 0.9 mm. 66 restorations demonstrated proximal contact with the adjacent tooth, while 14 showed a lack of interdental contact. Among the restorations with proximal contact, 21 corresponded to anatomically correct positioning in the cervico-occlusal direction, and 45 did not correspond, being displaced occlusally. Conclusions. 72.5% of the radiologically evaluated proximal restorations on lateral teeth exhibit an anatomical emergence profile, 66.25% show harmonious cervical adaptation, and 31.8% demonstrate an anatomical positioning of interdental contact in the cervicoocclusal direction.

Introduction. As part of the interproximal assembly, the interdental contact is a morphofunctional component that contributes to the stabilization of teeth, maintaining the integrity of the dental arch, protecting the papilla, and preventing food impaction. The aim of the study is to radiologically evaluate the proximal morphology of restored surfaces on lateral teeth and the positioning of the interdental contact. Material and methods. The study was performed by analyzing 100 digital bite-wing radiographs that showed proximal restorations on lateral teeth, which were related to a neighboring tooth in order to mark an interproximal area. The data obtained were analyzed statistically. Results. The restored surfaces exhibited a convex emergence profile in 71% of cases, a straight one in 26%, and a concave in 3%. A harmonious cervical marginal adaptation was observed in 66% of proximal restorations, while 33% showed defective cervical marginal adaptation. In 81% of cases, interdental contact was identified, while in 19% of cases, it was absent. Out of the 81 cases that exhibited interdental contact, 34.6% had an anatomical positioning, and 65.4% nonanatomical one. Conclusions. The radiological assessment of proximal restorations on lateral teeth and of interdental contacts found that they do not always meet anatomical requirements and fail to fulfill all qualitative parameters. Concave and straight emergence profiles of restorations, the presence of invaginations and overhangs at the cervical level, absence of interdental contact, or its non-anatomical positioning indicate the necessity to revise the principles of restoring proximal surfaces on lateral teeth by using accessories to restore the interproximal relationship according to the clinical situation.