Biomaterial Database

Alternatives for the restoration of posterior teeth. 1989

G J Christensen

Clinical Research Associates, Provo, Utah 84604.

Many restorations are available for posterior teeth. However, they have significantly different costs, physical characteristics and longevity. Selection of the type of restoration for specific situations has been highly individual and related to the dentist's abilities and the patient's preferences. A strong current emphasis towards optimum aesthetics has confused the situation further by substituting relatively unknown aesthetic materials for those of known clinical characteristics and longevity. The purpose of this paper is to indicate the known and unknown characteristics of currently available posterior tooth restorations and to make suggestions concerning the future.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008963	Molar	The most posterior teeth on either side of the jaw, totaling eight in the deciduous dentition (2 on each side, upper and lower), and usually 12 in the permanent dentition (three on each side, upper and lower). They are grinding teeth, having large crowns and broad chewing surfaces. (Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p821)	Molars
D003442	Crowns	A prosthetic restoration that reproduces the entire surface anatomy of the visible natural crown of a tooth. It may be partial (covering three or more surfaces of a tooth) or complete (covering all surfaces). It is made of gold or other metal, porcelain, or resin.	Dental Crowns,Crown, Dental,Crowns, Dental,Dental Crown,Crown
D003764	Dental Materials	Materials used in the production of dental bases, restorations, impressions, prostheses, etc.	Dental Material,Material, Dental,Materials, Dental
D003793	Dental Restoration, Permanent	A restoration designed to remain in service for not less than 20 to 30 years, usually made of gold casting, cohesive gold, or amalgam. (Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992)	Dental Fillings, Permanent,Dental Filling, Permanent,Dental Permanent Filling,Dental Permanent Fillings,Dental Restorations, Permanent,Filling, Dental Permanent,Filling, Permanent Dental,Fillings, Dental Permanent,Fillings, Permanent Dental,Permanent Dental Filling,Permanent Dental Fillings,Permanent Dental Restoration,Permanent Dental Restorations,Permanent Filling, Dental,Permanent Fillings, Dental,Restoration, Permanent Dental,Restorations, Permanent Dental
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D001641	Bicuspid	One of the eight permanent teeth, two on either side in each jaw, between the canines (CUSPID) and the molars (MOLAR), serving for grinding and crushing food. The upper have two cusps (bicuspid) but the lower have one to three. (Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p822)	Premolar,Bicuspids,Premolars