Clinical criteria for decisions between the replacement and repair of restoration in composite resin restorations - literature review

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) and USPHS modified criteria and offer subsidies for clinical decisions between the repair and replacement of composite resin restorations. Material and Methods: We have selected, through a literature search, papers published between 2000 and 2016 on CAPES Journal Portal, PubMed, Cochrane, and Medline. The keywords used were as follows: USPHS, clinical trial, composite resin, and permanent dental restoration. Results: The evaluated studies indicated that the most prevalent criteria on unsatisfactory restorations are the "secondary caries" and "loss of anatomical shape." In addition, majority of the evaluated studies indicate the repair of restorations with minor and localized failures as a strategy to increase the longevity of composite resin restorations. Conclusion: The USPHS criteria assist in the correct clinical decision between the replacement and repair of composite resin restorations. Repairing the restoration is a clinical alternative that should be performed whenever it is possible.