The causes of failure of restorations: A literature review

An examination of the literature reveals that many approaches have been used by different workers who have attempted to define and categorize the causes of failure of restorations. Some investigations have been based solely upon opinion; others have involved clinical surveys, the examination of extracted teeth or the study of replicas of the in vivo situation. While many causes of failure have been cited, poor contour or adaptation of the restoration to the tooth features with particular frequency, followed by various aspects of cavity design.