The Problems Preventing Progress in Adhesive Restorative Dentistry

¹ Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 4-16- 23 Kamiigusa, Suginamiku, Tokyo 167, Japan

Recognition of the following facts is essential for progress in adhesive restorative dentistry:

(1) The system removing only the infected outer layer of carious dentin by the caries detector and placing the chemically adhesive composite can save teeth maximally without operative pain;

(2) The traditional fear of dentin etching must be eliminated. The chemically adhesive composite placed upon etched dentin without lining secures maximum retentive stability and pulp safety; and

(3) The chemically adhesive posterior composite, if used properly, is far kinder to teeth than is amalgam.