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Review
. 2013 Jul 30:5:43-50.
doi: 10.2147/CCIDE.S48567.

Restoring proximal caries lesions conservatively with tunnel restorations

Chun-Hung Chu  1 , May L Mei, Chloe Cheung, Romesh P Nalliah
Affiliations
Review

Restoring proximal caries lesions conservatively with tunnel restorations

Chun-Hung Chu et al. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent. .

Abstract

The tunnel restoration has been suggested as a conservative alternative to the conventional box preparation for treating proximal caries. The main advantage of tunnel restoration over the conventional box or slot preparation includes being more conservative and increasing tooth integrity and strength by preserving the marginal ridge. However, tunnel restoration is technique-sensitive and can be particularly challenging for inexperienced restorative dentists. Recent advances in technology, such as the contemporary design of dental handpieces with advanced light-emitting diode (LED) and handheld comfort, offer operative dentists better vision, illumination, and maneuverability. The use of magnifying loupes also enhances the visibility of the preparation. The advent of digital radiographic imaging has improved dental imaging and reduced radiation. The new generation of restorative materials has improved mechanical properties. Tunnel restoration can be an option to restore proximal caries if the dentist performs proper case selection and pays attention to the details of the restorative procedures. This paper describes the clinical technique of tunnel restoration and reviews the studies of tunnel restorations.

Keywords: amalgam; composite; glass ionomer; operative; practice; tunnel preparation.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of literature search and selection.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Radiograph showing caries on 36D.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Rubber dam isolation.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Tunnel preparation access.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Overfilled with amalgam.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Finished amalgam tunnel restoration.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Post-operative radiograph.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Radiograph showing caries on 36D.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Rubber dam isolation.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Tunnel preparation access.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Glass ionomer used as base.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Finished sandwich tunnel restoration.
Figure 13
Figure 13
Post-operative radiograph.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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