Abstract

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT ADHESIVE STRATEGIES ON THE POSTOPERATIVE SENSITIVITY OF CLASS I COMPOSITE RESTORATIONS

*Dr. Sana Kanwal, Dr. Syed Atta Ullah Shah, Dr. Hina Arif, Dr. Fahad Salim Khan

Abstract

Background: Post-operative sensitivity in teeth after doing a composite restoration is caused by residual stress buildup due to polymerization shrinkage resulting in de-bonding of the restoration ensuing in an enamel crack; microleakage at the margins of the restoration and secondary caries results in postoperative sensitivity. Materials and Methods: Total patients 188 molar occlusal restorations were placed in 39 patients (ages between 18 and 30) using 3 different kind of adhesive systems; Optibond FL (OBF), Clearfil Protect Bond (CPB), and iBond (IB) by a post-doctorate dentist or a fifth-year dental student according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Post-operative sensitivity to cold and air was evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) after 24 hours, 30, 90, and 180 days. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and Friedman tests (P < 0.05). Results: Post-operative sensitivity scores for OBF and CPB were higher for the dental student (P < 0.05), while IB scores did not differ statistical significantly according to the operator (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Operator skill and experience appears to play a role in determining the outcome of post-operative sensitivity of multi-step adhesive systems although the post-operative sensitivity was low. It is suggested that the less experienced clinicians (rather than experienced clinicians) should better use the self-etching dentin bonding systems with reduced application steps to minimize the potential risk of post-operative sensitivity of dental adhesives.

Keywords: Class I composite restorations, dentin bonding systems, operator skill, post-operative sensitivity.