Post-operative sensitivity due to technique errors
What it is
After a direct composite restoration, the patient develops cold sensitivity, biting sensitivity, or spontaneous sharp pain because the procedure created conditions that promote fluid movement in dentinal tubules (hydrodynamic mechanism) and/or microleakage, stress, or occlusal trauma at the restoration–tooth interface.
Why it happens
• Deep cavities: sensitivity incidence increases with greater cavity depth in composite restorations. • Adhesive strategy/handling errors (etch-and-rinse vs self-etch, incomplete infiltration, poor polymerization, contamination) → weaker seal and more fluid movement/microleakage. • Polymerization shrinkage stress (especially in Class I/II high C-factor cavities) contributing to marginal gap formation and sensitivity. • Under-curing (insufficient radiant exposure from distance/angle/time issues) → reduced conversion and poorer marginal integrity over time. • High occlusion / heavy proximal contacts after restoration → biting pain and sensitivity from occlusal trauma, often mistaken for "bonding pain."
The full clinical mistake entry includes
- How to avoid it — the prevention protocol
- The clinical tip experienced clinicians use
- The documented reference behind the mistake
More clinical mistakes
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