INTRODUCTIONLeakage around composite fillings is a very common

phenomenon.

Excellence in General Dental Practice series by Dr. Veerendra Darakh

Every composite filling must be carefully evaluated at the cavo surface margins for

leakage.

Leakage on the Distal side of the FILLING

Excellence in General Dental Practice series by Dr. Veerendra Darakh

The problem is aggravated because the area is not easily accessible to oral hygiene aids. Patients must be taught to use an oral

irrigator. I would prefer to restore the part affected by secondary caries by a GIC.

Tooth No. 4-7 Distal side

Composite filling

Initial secondary caries

Caries which has advanced

Excellence in General Dental Practice series by Dr. Veerendra Darakh

Tooth No. 3-6 in the same patient. The composite filling on the buccal surface is not properly contoured and hence the area around the filling is prone to leakage. In fact, leakage has already started on the cervical side of the filling.

Excellence in General Dental Practice series by Dr. Veerendra Darakh

CONCLUSION

Every dentist must evaluate the borders of the fillings for leakage at regular intervals on teeth restored with composite. All fillings must be highly polished

Excellence in General Dental Practice series by Dr. Veerendra Darakh