Cavity preparation: principles, Black's classification
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics · Dental (BDS)
Study notes
Why did Black's Class II preparations traditionally include an occlusal 'dovetail' lock? Before adhesive bonding existed, amalgam couldn't stick to tooth — it needed mechanical lock. The occlusal dovetail (a widened step on the chewing surface) prevented the proximal filling from sliding out sideways. Students learn this to understand the history: modern bonded composites don't need dovetails, so preparations are far smaller today — the lock was a solution to non-adhesive materials.
Related topics
- Dental caries: diagnosis, caries risk assessment, minimal intervention
- Amalgam restorations: indications, technique
- Composite restorations: anterior and posterior, layering
- Glass ionomer and compomer restorations
- Pulp biology: diagnosis of pulp and periapical diseases
- Endodontic diagnosis: pulp vitality tests, radiographic assessment