Interfacial Performance and Structural Stability of Repaired vs. Replaced Polymer-Based Composites: A 3-Year Retrospective Analysis of ‘Patch-up’ Restorative Engineering

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 02 | Page :
    By

    N. Parthasarathy,

  • V S Kumar Bhagavathula,

  • Parthiban saketharaman,

  • Abarna Jawahar,

  • Adhavan Balaji K L M,

  • Revathy Gounder,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Konaseema institute of Dental sciences, Andhra Pradesh, India
  3. Professor, Department of periodontics, srivenkateswaraa dental College Ariyur, Pondicherry, India
  4. Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Sree Balaji Dental College & Hospital, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics Vinayaka Mission’s Sankarachariyar Dental College, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University) Ariyanoor Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical longevity and interfacial success of repairing aged polymer-based composites versus complete replacement, focusing on the integration between the existing polymer matrix and the new restorative material.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective clinical audit was conducted on 50 cases (n = 50) of posterior restorations with localized defects. The sample was categorized into: Group A (n = 25), where defective sites were treated with localized repair using a multi-step polymer bonding protocol (surface roughening and silanization); and Group B (n = 25), where restorations were completely replaced. The study focused on the cross-linking stability at the repair interface over a 3-year period. Clinical outcomes were assessed using modified USPHS criteria, with specific emphasis on marginal integrity and interfacial staining.

Results: The 3-year survival rate was 88% for the Repair group and 92% for the Replacement group. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in functional performance (p > 0.05). In Group A, failures were characterized by cohesive polymer failure or marginal delamination, whereas Group B failures were largely related to tooth-structure fractures. The repair protocol demonstrated that the aged polymer matrix could successfully bond to new resin monomers when proper surface conditioning was applied.

Conclusion: Localized repair of polymer-based composites is a reliable, minimally invasive alternative to total replacement. The success of “patch-up” dentistry depends heavily on the interfacial polymer bond, which provides sufficient clinical stability while preserving healthy tooth structure.

Keywords: Polymer Matrix, Composite Resin, Repair Interface, Resin Monomers, Minimally Invasive Dentistry, Retrospective Analysis.

How to cite this article:
N. Parthasarathy, V S Kumar Bhagavathula, Parthiban saketharaman, Abarna Jawahar, Adhavan Balaji K L M, Revathy Gounder. Interfacial Performance and Structural Stability of Repaired vs. Replaced Polymer-Based Composites: A 3-Year Retrospective Analysis of ‘Patch-up’ Restorative Engineering. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
N. Parthasarathy, V S Kumar Bhagavathula, Parthiban saketharaman, Abarna Jawahar, Adhavan Balaji K L M, Revathy Gounder. Interfacial Performance and Structural Stability of Repaired vs. Replaced Polymer-Based Composites: A 3-Year Retrospective Analysis of ‘Patch-up’ Restorative Engineering. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=244579


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
02
Received 24/04/2026
Accepted 15/05/2026
Published 21/05/2026
Publication Time 27 Days
18

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