Dental materials used for direct or indirect restorations of the defects of teeth are placed in the oral environment which constantly undergoes temperature, pH changes, etc. and hosts a variety of microbial flora. Also, these restorative materials have to withstand the constant cyclic occlusal loading when teeth are in function or parafunction. All these may lead to defects in the restoration or their complete failure over time. This article reviews the methods of identifying the defects that are seen in these restorations and criteria applied whether they will require monitoring, refurbishment, repair or replacement.

Keywords: refurbishment of restoration, repair of restoration, replacement of restoration, amalgam, composite, ceramic, all ceramic, glass ionomer cement.

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Vaishali U. Bhalerao

Dept. of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics,

Government Dental College & Hospital, Aurangabad - 431001, Maharashtra, India