Objective: This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical performance of direct composite restorations placed at an increased vertical dimension to manage localised anterior tooth wear using the Dahl approach.
Subjects and methods: Two hundred and ninety six restorations were placed at an increased OVD in 41 subjects with localized anterior Tooth Surface Loss (TSL) were included. Survival analysis was carried out at three levels, major failure only, minor failure only and all types of failure. Clinical follow up showed that the posterior occlusion was reformed after a mean duration of 25.4 months (range 6 to 60 months). Mean clinical follow up of 25.4 months showed a success rate of 88.8% and survival rate of 95.6% of the restorations. The major failure rate was 4.4% while the minor failure rate was 8.7%. Patients' reported a significant improvement in appearance, and self-confidence and reduction in sensitivity. Self-reported patient satisfaction with the procedure was high.
Clinical relevance: Placement of resin-based composite restorations at an increased occlusal vertical dimension to manage localised anterior tooth wear has a good short to medium term survival.
Keywords: Dahl Technique; Resin Composite; Tooth Surface Loss; Tooth Wear.
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