I usually prep through the occlusal right next to the lingual groove. Prepping straight lingual is very difficult because there is no room with the base of the tongue. Even if you prep straight lingual, the occluso-apical height of the lingual cusp wall is <2mm leaving you with undermined cusps and isolation is difficult as well. Turn it into an occlusal lingual, use a Tofflemire band. Condense through the occlusal, cure or burnish. Amalgam is easier to use in this spot, but I've done many composites as well. ■ heitzfill Member Since: 09/17/12 Post: 53 of 57 5/6/2018 If the guy is an old trucker type whose health is in decline I would advise extreme caution when treating these people. I have seen caries wrap all the way around and go subgingival, especially in the Medicare population. You go in thinking it's a simple lingual but you end up fighting a losing battle with the gums bleeding into your prep and caries too extensive to control. Suggest a crown to be safe, though most seniors may not spend the money. They'll tell you they could be dead in 10 years but expect you to still fill it just the same. ■ doc98 Member Since: 04/21/11 Post: 56 of 57 5/14/2018 There's more than one way to go about getting to a molar To see this entire conversation, go to dentaltown.com and under message boards, search "Lingual of 31" This thread will be one of the top results. FREE FACTS, circle 22 on card dentaltown.com \\ AUGUST 2018 49http://www.dentaltown.com/messageboard/thread.aspx?a=11&s=2&f=216&t=310415&g=1 http://pulpdent.com/activa http://www.dentaltown.com