DOES THE CYCLE OF RERESTORATION LEAD TO LARGER RESTORATIONS?

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ABSTRACT

The common practice of rerestoring teeth has been termed the “cycle of rerestoration.” Some researchers and clinicians have speculated that this cycle results in teeth receiving progressively larger restorations. In this study involving 1,337 decisions to replace existing restorations in posterior teeth, the authors noted that 70 percent of all recommendations resulted in an increased number of restored surfaces. This observed increase in restoration size raises questions about the effects of the rerestoration cycle on the health of a tooth and suggests that practitioners should attempt to avoid premature rerestoration since it could hasten the cycle.

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    This research was supported by grant HS06669 from the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.

    The authors thank the practicing dentists in the greater Chapel Hill, N.C., area who participated in this study.

    1

    Dr. Brantley is a clinical associate professor and director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, Department of Dental Ecology, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB 7450, Brauer Hall, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27599-7450.

    2

    Dr. Bader is a research professor, Sheps Center for Health Services Research and Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

    3

    Dr. Shugars is a professor, Sheps Center for Health Services Research and Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

    4

    Dr. Nesbit is a clinical associate professor, Department of Diagnostic Sciences and director of Patient Admissions/Emergency Service and the Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Service, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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