The effectiveness of bonded composite restorations in the treatment of painful, cracked teeth: six-month clinical evaluation.

This study investigated the clinical efficacy of a bonded resin composite restoration with and without cuspal coverage for the treatment of painful, cracked teeth. Patients in a private dental practice who presented with complaints were selected. Inclusion criteria were sensitivity to cold, biting and a clinically-visible crack after removal of the existing restoration. All 40 teeth were restored with a three-step total etch system (Phosphoric acid/Clearfil SA primer/PhotoBond), 20 with cuspal coverage and 20 without. Patients were interviewed at one week, five weeks and six months regarding the presence of pain. In addition, the teeth were clinically examined after six months to reveal any sensitivity. At one week, patients reported that 12 teeth (30%) were free of pain and 28 teeth (70%) still had symptoms. At five weeks, patients reported that 25 teeth (62.5%) were free of pain and 13 teeth (32.5%) still had symptoms. Two teeth (5%) needed endodontic treatment after two and five weeks. At six months, patients reported that 30 teeth (75%) were functioning without any complaints. Upon clinical examination, only 20 teeth (50%) were free of symptoms. No statistically significant difference between the results of the teeth treated with and without cuspal coverage could be shown (Fischer's exact test at p<0.05).