Silver Legacy – A Case By Dr. Jure Poglajen

Silver Legacy is a case of a 20-year-old male patient presented with the need for amalgam removal and treatment of secondary caries on teeth 46 and 47.

A rubber dam was applied to ensure a safe and controlled removal of the amalgam restoration. Following amalgam removal, a Er:Cr:YSGG laser was utilized to eliminate the secondary caries, ensuring both effective surface preparation for improved bonding and sterilization of the treated area, which is essential for minimizing bacterial contamination and enhancing restoration longevity.

Upon complete removal of the decayed material, the cavities were ready for composite restoration. The bonding procedure was carried out according to standard protocols, including etching of the enamel and dentin surfaces. The cavity was filled using a single increment of Predicta Bulk (Parkell), applied in excess to ensure complete cavity fill and to avoid oxygen inhibition layer. The material’s flowable consistency facilitated the placement.

The material was light cured for 5 seconds to stabilize it and subsequently allowed to cure chemically for 2 minutes, enabling the restoration to set adequately. An additional 20-second light cure was performed to ensure complete polymerization and to secure the restoration’s structural integrity. Allowing this material to mainly cure chemically and limiting light cure is crucial to minimize polymerization shrinkage and maximize the longevity of the restoration.

Once the material had fully cured, final polishing and shaping were carried out, achieving optimal aesthetics and functional contouring. The result was a well-polished restoration, seamlessly blending with the natural tooth structure.

The patient reported no hypersensitivity, which is commonly associated with deep restorations. The radiographic examination confirmed the high radiopacity of the Predicta Bulk material, allowing clear distinction between the material and the natural tooth. This feature is crucial for post-operative assessment and future diagnostic imaging.