Table 2: Modified USPHS criteria.

Criteria Test Procedure USPHS Score
Retention Visual inspection with a mirror at 18 inches Complete retention of the restoration
Mobilization of the restoration, still present
Loss of the restoration
Alpha (A)
Bravo (B)
Charlie (C)
Colour match Visual inspection with mirror
at 18 inches
Restoration is perfectly matched for color shade
Restoration is not correctly matched for color shade
Restoration is unacceptable for color shade
Alpha (A)
Bravo (B)
Charlie (C)
Marginal integrity Visual inspection with
explorer and mirror, if needed
Absence of discrepancy at probing
Presence of discrepancy at probing, without dentin exposure
Probe penetrates in the discrepancy at probing, with dentin exposure
Alpha (A)
Bravo (B)
Charlie (C)
Marginal discoloration Visual inspection with mirror
at 18 inches
Absence of marginal discoloration
Presence of marginal discoloration limited and not extended
Evident marginal discoloration penetrated towards the pulp chamber
Alpha (A)
Bravo (B)
Charlie (C)
Surface texture Visual inspection with
explorer and mirror, if needed
The surface is not rough Surface is slightly rough Surface is highly rough Alpha (A)
Bravo (B)
Charlie (C)
Surface staining Visual inspection with
explorer and mirror, if needed
The surface is not staining Surface is slightly staining Surface is highly staining Alpha (A)
Bravo (B)
Charlie (C)
Postoperative sensitivity Ask patients Absence of the dentinal hypersensitivity
Presence of mild and transient hypersensitivity
Presence of strong and intolerable hypersensitivity
Alpha (A)
Bravo (B)
Charlie (C)
Gingival bleeding Visual inspection with
explorer and mirror, if needed
Gingival tissues are perfect
Gingival tissues are slightly hyperaemic
Gingival tissues are inflammatory
Alpha (A)
Bravo (B)
Charlie (C)
Secondary caries Visual inspection with
explorer and mirror, if needed
No evidence of caries
Evidence of caries along the margin of the restoration
Alpha (A)
Bravo (B)