Restorative & Materials · single question
Tooth sensitivity after composite restoration is most commonly due to:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Over-drying the dentin (desiccation)
✓ A) Over-drying (desiccating) the dentin is correct.
When dentin is excessively dried with air, the collagen network in the demineralized dentin collapses, preventing adequate bonding agent penetration. This results in a compromised hybrid layer, microleakage, and post-operative sensitivity. The 'moist bonding' technique is used to prevent this: after acid etching, blot dry (do NOT desiccate) to maintain a moist dentin surface for optimal resin infiltration. Other causes include high occlusal contacts and polymerization shrinkage stress, but desiccation is most classic.
When dentin is excessively dried with air, the collagen network in the demineralized dentin collapses, preventing adequate bonding agent penetration. This results in a compromised hybrid layer, microleakage, and post-operative sensitivity. The 'moist bonding' technique is used to prevent this: after acid etching, blot dry (do NOT desiccate) to maintain a moist dentin surface for optimal resin infiltration. Other causes include high occlusal contacts and polymerization shrinkage stress, but desiccation is most classic.
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