Direct resin composite restorations in decayed molars: a scoping review.

Objectives: The aim of this scoping review was to summarize and discuss the direct resin composites used to reconstruct decayed molars with minimal class II cavities as described in the literature.

Data: The study protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework platform and can be accessed at the following link: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2D45H. This scoping review was developed according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Sources: A literature search of 3 electronic databases was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed), SCOPUS and EMBASE with the last search in March 2024. Study selection was completed by two reviewers independently using the collaboration software platform Covidence (Covidence systematic review software, Veritas Health Innovation, Melbourne, Australia).

Study Selection: Of 8591 studies initially identified, full-text analysis was conducted in 82 studies. Any prospective clinical study conducted in adults involving an evaluation of composites on decayed molars with at least one proximal surface affected was included. Finally, 23 studies were included in this analysis.

Conclusions: Clinical studies on decayed molars with class II cavities show that direct composites are reliable restorations over the long term. Success rates are excellent, even after several years. However, further clinical studies on severely decayed molars with one or more missing cusps are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these materials in direct techniques for even more complex cases.

Clinical Significance: Direct resin composites are reliable materials for restoring decayed molars with Class II cavities.