Restorative & Materials · single question
Which of the following is the MOST common cause of resin composite restoration failure?
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Correct answer: C. Recurrent caries
The most common cause of resin composite restoration failure is recurrent (secondary) caries, developing at the margin between the restoration and tooth structure due to microleakage, inadequate marginal adaptation, polymerization shrinkage, and plaque accumulation. While fracture and wear are also causes of failure, recurrent caries is consistently the leading reason resin restorations need replacement.
- A. Wear occurs over time but is not the leading cause of failure with modern composite materials.
- B. Marginal discoloration is a cosmetic issue that may accompany failure but is not itself the primary cause of restoration failure requiring replacement.
- C. CORRECT. Recurrent caries is the #1 most common cause of resin composite restoration failure. Microleakage at the tooth-restoration interface allows bacterial penetration, leading to secondary caries.
- D. Fracture is a significant cause of composite failure, especially in large posterior restorations, but NOT the most common overall cause.
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