Abstract

Introduction

The new millennium has shown an exponential progression in dentistry. From extractions to functional restorations, to finally, the era of ‘bio-mimetic dentistry’. ‘Bio-mimetic’ literally translates to mimicking nature.

 However, manually crafting an esthetic direct composite restoration is a technique that requires experience and skill or finesse. One of the newer evolved techniques for achieving an amalgamation of both esthetics and function is the ‘Stamp technique’.¹

The restoration aims primarily at restoring the form, function and occlusal topography of a single tooth mutilated by the disease.² The numerous matrices are available in market which allow making proper contact and contour of proximal surfaces but do not result in precise occlusal topography.³

Occlusal carving is left to the free hand with expertise and the flexibility that can contribute to over/under reclaimed surfaces.4 The process of microbrush stamp technique is one of the new developments in restorative dentistry for posterior teeth utilizing composite material for precise occlusal topography.⁵

Stamp is like an index, which is the mini impression made by putty, flowable composite or liquid dam before tooth preparation.^4,5

This matrix is then pressed against the final composite increment before curing takes place.⁶ The procedure of stamping includes reproducing the initial morphology of the tooth structure by emulating the original unprepared tooth structure.⁷

This is advised that the exact indication of this procedure be restricted to pits, cavities, fissures and cracks where the tooth has preserved anatomical features.⁷

The method is used where the occlusal surface is almost unaltered before the restorative operation.8 In instances with mild to moderate carious lesions, the decayed layer is covered by wax and the occlusal surface is engraved on the wax.

This article discusses application of stamp technique using six different cases where conventional as well as modified methods have been used.