Characteristics of the teeth/cavities to be included
carious cavities, carious dentin, radiolucency, tooth
DENTAL CAVITIES, CARIES, COLD
The teeth intended for restoration had to be in occlusion with their natural antagonist tooth and adjacent teeth. To identify occlusal interferences in the intercuspal position and in the lateral movements, articulating paper was used. If the tooth presented an occlusal interference, an occlusal adjustment was performed. Teeth requiring endodontic treatment (evaluated by radiography and by the cold pulpal sensitivity test [Roeko-Endo-Frost, Coltène / Whaledent, Langenau, Germany]) were excluded.The dental cavities had to be class I or class II (involving the occlusal surface) of a depth greater than 2 mm, evaluated by means of a bitewing radiograph and ruler in vital teeth. Following the American Dental Association Caries Classification System (ADA CCS), the extension of the included carious cavities had to be moderate (enamel breakdown with non-cavitated carious dentin) or advanced (full cavitation through the enamel and dentin clinically exposed). Radiographically, for class II lesions, the radiolucency had to be extended to the outer one-third of dentin, into the middle one-third of dentin, or into the inner one-third of dentin.