Aim: This article proposes and describes the split-increment technique as an alternative for placement of composite resin in large cervical carious lesions which extend onto the root surface.
Technique: Two flat 1.5 mm thick composite resin increments were used to restore these cervical carious lesions. Prior to light-curing, two diagonal cuts were made in each increment in order to split it into four triangular-shaped flat portions. The first increment was applied to cover the entire axial wall and portions of the four surrounding walls. The second increment was applied to fill the cavity completely covering the first one and the rest of the four surrounding walls as well as sealing all cavity margins.
Clinical significance: This technique results in the reduction of the C-factor and the generated shrinkage stresses by directing the shrinking composite resin during curing towards the free, unbonded areas created by the two diagonal cuts. The proposed technique would also produce a more naturally looking restoration by inserting flat dentin and enamel increments of composite resin of a uniform thickness which closely resembles the arrangement of natural tooth structure.