Class V Composite Preparation

Placement of the 212 retainer requires the facial beak to be placed 1.0 mm gingival to the anticipated gingival margin of the finished cavity preparation. The outline of the central portion is similar to that of the Class 5 preparation for amalgam:  follow the shape of caries just deeper than the dentinoenamel junction with a minimal axial depth of 0.75 mm.  The enamel decalcification is removed only to the dimensions and depth of the decalcification, leaving a sound enamel surface.

In this example, there is caries to the dentin in the central area with only surface decalcification of the enamel to the mesial and distal following the curvature of the margin of the gingiva.  The caries extends below the gingiva and beyond the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Pumice, rinse, and select the proper composite shade(s).