Double Trouble – A Case Study By Dr. Jure Poglajen

A 45-year-old female patient presented with a request for safe amalgam removal from her mandibular first molars (teeth 46 and 47).

A rubber dam was applied to ensure isolation and safety during the procedure. The amalgam was carefully removed using special burs, followed by the use of a laser to eliminate any remaining carious tissue.

After the removal of the decayed tissue, the cavities were ready for restoration. The tooth surfaces were etched, followed by the application of a bonding agent. Predicta Bulk Bioactive composite (Parkell) was then used for the filling. The material was initially light-cured for 5 seconds to stabilize its placement. Subsequently, a chemical curing phase was allowed for 2 minutes to ensure proper setting. After this, an additional 20-second light curing cycle was performed to ensure complete polymerization.

The final restoration was shaped and polished to achieve optimal aesthetics and functional contouring. A follow-up radiograph confirmed the satisfactory result, with clear visibility of the restoration and a well-sealed interface between the composite and natural tooth structure.