Abstract: A method for etching and treating a tooth surface prior to restoration, comprising a solution comprising of an —SO3 terminated compound resin, such as an —SO3H compound resin, and an aldehyde desensitizing compound. In practice, the composition is applied to the tooth surface and not subsequently washed prior to application of an adhesive or other restorative material.

Abstract: A composite for a dental restoration is presented comprising ground, densified, embrittled glass fibers together with fillers and a polymeric matrix precursor composition. The ground, densified, embrittled glass fibers are obtained by grinding glass fibers which have been densified and embrittled by heating glass fibers at a temperature substantially below the softening point of the glass fibers, without significant fusion or melting together of the fibers. The composite is particularly useful as a direct filling material, in that it has the feel and workability of an amalgam.

Abstract: A kit is presented, comprising at least a condensable composite and an amalgam carrier. The condensable composite is further provided in premeasured amounts, that is, in amounts of one spill, two spills, or three spills. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises a flowable composite material, and in still another embodiment, the kit further comprises a flowable composite material and dispenser, an etchant, a primer/adhesive, a plugger, and brush tips. The kit is especially useful in forming posterior dental restorations that are aesthetic, strongly-bonded, and wear-resistant. The restorations have negligible shrinkage upon polymerization.

Abstract: A composite for a dental restoration is presented comprising ground, densified, embrittled glass fibers together with fillers and a polymeric matrix precursor composition. The ground, densified, embrittled glass fibers are obtained by grinding glass fibers which have been densified and embrittled by heating glass fibers at a temperature substantially below the softening point of the glass fibers, without significant fusion or melting together of the fibers. The composite is particularly useful as a direct filling material, in that it has the feel and workability of an amalgam.

Abstract: A method and kit is presented, wherein a prepared tooth cavity is etched; treated with a primer/adhesive which is cured; treated with a flowable composite and cured; and then filled with a condensable composite, using techniques and instruments developed for use with amalgams. Such techniques include transferring the composite with an amalgam carrier, and shaping and packing the composite with an amalgam plugger. The dental restoration may optionally be further etched and sealed. The kit comprises at least a condensable composite and an amalgam carrier. The condensable composite is further provided in premeasured amounts, that is, in amounts of one spill, two spills, or three spills. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises a flowable composite material, and in still another embodiment, the kit further comprises a flowable composite material and dispenser, an etchant, a primer/adhesive, a plugger, and brush tips.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a dentin conditioning system to a dentin surface of a tooth comprises a deformable container having a sealed ampule disposed therein, which ampule contains a dentin conditioner. The deformable container is deformed to crush the sealed ampule so that the dentin conditioner may be delivered from the deformable container through a dropper tip. Methods of applying a dentin conditioner are also provided as is a dental restoration kit. Methods and apparatus for simultaneously applying dentin conditioners are also provided.