Class V Composite Preparation / 3

The brown area indicates the area of enamel decalcification that was removed and blended into the enamel beveling of the cavosurface margins surrounding the central preparation area.  Note there is no beveling at any dentin cavosurface margins in this example (i.e., gingival margin) as the original caries went beyond the cementoenamel junction (CEJ).

Supragingival lesions/preparations:      In the instance where all cavosurface margins are in enamel, e.g., caries that does not cross the CEJ, all margins are beveled as they would all be enamel margins.  In this case, the gingival retention groove would be optional depending on the quality and quantity of the beveled area for bonding.

NOTE: For cosmetic blending toward the occlusal, long beveling may also be performed. This may be particularly useful where an identical shade is not available or additional retention is desirable, e.g., in extensive restorations.