Post-operative sensitivity in glass-ionomer versus adhesive resin-lined posterior composites.

PURPOSE

To compare objective and subjective assessments of post-operative sensitivity when class 1 cavities, lined with glass-ionomer or adhesive bonding system, were restored with resin-based composite (RBC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Occlusal cavities on homologous contra-lateral posterior teeth in 44 male patients attending primary health centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were restored with RBC after a cavity lining of either a light cured glass-ionomer cement (Vitrebond) or an adhesive bonding system (One-Step).

RESULTS

Cold response measurements 24 hrs, 7 days and 1 month post-operatively showed that the threshold of pulpal response was significantly lower (P< 0.05) in the restored teeth when the adhesive bonding system served as cavity liner. In addition, based on the patients' subjective assessments, the prevalence of mild or severe post-operative sensitivity was significantly higher (P< 0.05), 24 hrs and 7 days post-operatively, in the teeth with the adhesive bonding system as a cavity liner. After a post-operative period of 1 month, however, there was no significant difference (P> 0.05) between the prevalence of post-operative sensitivity when the restored teeth received a lining of either glass-ionomer or adhesive bonding system.