Prevention of postoperative tooth sensitivity: a preliminary clinical trial

Glutaraldehyde-based desensitizer does not influence postoperative sensitivity and clinical performance of posterior restorations: A 24-month randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of a glutaraldehyde-based desensitizer (GL) on postoperative sensitivity (POS) in posterior bulk-fill resin composite restorations using an adhesive applied in the self-etch (SE) and etch-and-rinse (ER) strategies; and to assess the clinical performance of the restorations.

METHODS

Posterior resin composite restorations (n = 228) at least 3 mm deep were inserted in 57 subjects using a split-mouth design. The adhesive was applied with/without prior application of a GL. A resin composite was used for all restorations. Spontaneous POS (risk and intensity), as well as POS caused by stimulation with an air blast and assess the response to horizontal and vertical percussion was assessed using two scales in the baseline and after 7, 14, and 30 days. In addition, some parameters were evaluated using FDI criteria up to 24 months of clinical service.

RESULTS

No significant POS was observed (p > 0.05). A higher absolute risk and intensity of spontaneous POS was observed within 7 days (35.1%), without statistically significant differences among groups. At 24 months 5 restorations were considered clinically unsatisfactory, and 73 restorations showed minor discrepancies in adaptation, with no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05).

SIGNIFICANCE

A GL agent does not influence POS in posterior restorations with bulk-fill resin composite. It may be considered a dispensable clinical step in the restorative protocol.

Development of a new universal adhesive containing CPNE7-derived peptide and its potential role in reducing postoperative sensitivity

Post-operative sensitivity (POS) is the most common clinical dental complaint after tooth preparation and resin-based composite restoration. In our previous study, copine 7 (CPNE7) and CPNE7-derived peptide (CPNE7-DP) induced in vitro odontoblast differentiation and in vivo dentin formation. Here, we incorporated CPNE7-DP into All-Bond Universal (ABU) adhesive, developing ABU/CPNE7-DP. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of reducing POS using ABU/CPNE7-DP. We first determined the stability of CPNE7-DP under low pH. Furthermore, we evaluated its dentinal tubule penetration, in vitro odontogenic differentiation potential, in vivo tertiary dentin formation and its effects on bonding performance. CPNE7-DP was stable at pH 1.2, even lower than ABU's pH of 3.2. ABU/CPNE7-DP can penetrate dentinal tubules, stimulate odontoblast differentiation in vitro and generate tertiary dentin with tubular structure in vivo without interfering with bonding performance. Therefore, ABU/CPNE7-DP may serve as a novel bioactive adhesive for reducing POS.

Evidence-based fact checking for selective procedures in restorative dentistry

OBJECTIVES

Similar to other dental specialties, there are many clinical procedures in restorative dentistry that may or may not be supported by good evidence. Thus, the effectiveness of these procedures is uncertain. The aim of this paper is to reduce this knowledge gap by critically inspecting selective procedures in restorative dentistry and exploring if these well-established or widely advocated treatment modalities are necessary for improving treatment outcomes based on the best available evidence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A MEDLINE search was conducted to identify research on selective procedures while focusing on clinical trials and systematic reviews. Due to their practical relevance in the decision-making process, cost-effectiveness analyses were also included.

RESULTS

Mixed results were identified regarding the included interventions. Some procedures had adequate evidence supporting them while others were mostly based on beliefs.

CONCLUSIONS

A critical review of the available literature indicates that some common restorative procedures lack adequate support from high-quality research evidence.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This paper attempts to highlight the need to critically examine the scientific validity of traditional knowledge and techniques through the context of current research evidence. This will not only help generate consensus between educators, clinicians, and researchers regarding restorative procedures but will also lead to improved patient care and outcomes.

Clinical Efficacy of Two Different Desensitizers in Reducing Postoperative Sensitivity Following Composite Restorations

Objective: The objective is to evaluate the efficacy of different desensitizing agents in the reduction of postoperative sensitivity after composite restoration.

Materials and methods: Class I cavities were prepared in 39 patients by the same operator. The patients included in the study were between 20 and 45 years with vital pulp and a remaining dentin thickness of 1mm. Previously restored, nonvital and tooth with periodical changes were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned into three groups of 13 each - Group I (Control); Group II (Gluma desensitizer) and Group III (shield active desensitizer [SAD]). After the surface treatment, the teeth were restored with composite. The patients were assessed for postoperative sensitivity at 24 hours and one week with a visual analog scale (VAS).

Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS v23 software. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test.

Results: Gluma and SAD on comparison with control group i.e. composite group showed statistical significance difference at day 1 (P-value 0.003), but on comparing the sensitivity after one week, there is no significant difference in sensitivity score between all three groups (P-value 0.073). There was no statistically significant difference between day 1 and one week when comparing Gluma desensitizer and SAD.

Conclusion: The application of the desensitizer led to a statistically significant reduction in postoperative sensitivity on day 1 and a clinically significant reduction was observed at one week.

Effect of sodium fluoride varnish, Gluma, and Er,Cr:YSGG laser in dentin hypersensitivity treatment: a 6-month clinical trial

Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a common clinical condition usually associated with exposed dentinal surfaces. The aim of this study was to study the effect of sodium fluoride varnish, Gluma, and Er,Cr:YSGG laser, in the dentin hypersensitivity treatment. One hundred sixty-five teeth with dentin hypersensitivity in 55 patients were involved in this study. Teeth are divided into five groups based on the received treatment (n = 33): G group: Gluma; F group: sodium fluoride varnish (5%); L group: Er,Cr:YSGG laser (wavelength 2780 nm, frequency 20 Hz, power 0.25 W, energy density 44.3 J/cm², and pulse width of 150 µs at distance of 1 mm for 30 s) which was followed by Er,Cr:YSGG laser; GL group: Gluma + laser; VL group: both sodium fluoride varnish and Gluma, which are common treatments for hypersensitivity, were selected as control groups. The treatment was performed in one session, and the sensitivity to air spray conditioning was recorded after the treatment, at 15 min, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months as the VAS. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Ver. 21 software. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the VAS between all treatment groups at each time-point. One-way repeated measurements ANOVA (RM-ANOVA) and two-way-repeated measurements ANOVA (RM-ANOVA) were used to compare the hypersensitivity of each group and sensitivity of all treatment groups, respectively. Tukey post hoc test was used to compare the groups pairwise. The hypersensitivity between different groups at before and 15 min after the treatment was not significantly different (P = 0.063). The hypersensitivity of all studied groups was decreased after the treatment. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser, alone or in combination with Gluma, in 1 week, 1 month, and 6 month follow-ups, had significantly reduced the hypersensitivity instead of sodium fluoride varnish. All treatments significantly reduced the dentin hypersensitivity up to 6 months. Er,Cr:YSGG laser alone or in combination with Gluma was more effective than sodium fluoride varnish; however, it was not significantly different from other treatments. In a 6-month follow-up of dentine hypersensitivity treatment, Gluma had a significantly higher effect than sodium fluoride. Trial registration: IRCT20190422043343N1. Registered 19 July 2019.

Efficacy of Three Commercially Available Desensitizers in Reducing Post-Operative Sensitivity Following Composite Restorations: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

One of the most widely used esthetic restorations in dentistry is composite. The widespread application of composites can be related to advancements in biomaterials. However, due to various factors, composites are commonly associated with dental sensitivity. Hence, the present study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of three desensitizing agents in reducing post-treatment sensitivity for Class I composite restoration. Eighty subjects with Class I cavities were selected according to the inclusion criteria, and a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was carried out. Twenty patients were randomly assigned to four groups: Group C (Control group), Group GL (Gluma group), Group SF (Shield Force Plus group), and Group TC (Telio CS group). The desensitizers were applied after Class 1 cavity preparation and acid etching in all the groups, except the Control group, and thereafter, composite restoration was completed in a conventional manner. Questionnaires were provided to all the participants to record the post-operative pain/sensitivity level according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) on intake of cold drinks, intake of hot drinks, and intake of sugar for different periods of time. Significant variation was observed between the three desensitizers for all three stimuli. However, no significant variations were seen with the various age groups and between the maxillary and the mandibular teeth at the different time periods. Group GL performed better than Group SF and Group TC. It can be proposed that the application of the desensitizers reduced the post-restorative sensitivity in the composite restorations and improved acceptance.

Postoperative sensitivity in posterior resin composite restorations with prior application of a glutaraldehyde-based desensitizing solution: A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of a glutaraldehyde-based desensitizer on the postoperative sensitivity (POS) in posterior resin composite restorations up to 12 months using a universal adhesive (Tetric N-Bond Universal) with selective enamel etching (SE) or an etch-and-rinse (ER) strategy.

METHODS

Class I and class II resin composite restorations (n = 220) at least 3 mm deep were inserted in 55 subjects. The universal adhesive was applied using the SE (self-etch strategy on dentin with selective enamel etching) or the ER strategy, with or without prior application of a glutaraldehyde-based desensitizer (Gluma Desensitizer - GL) to form groups SEGL and ERGL. A bulk-fill resin composite (Tetric NCeram Bulk Fill) was used for all restorations. Spontaneous POS was assessed 7 days after the restorative procedure using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). After 7, 14, and 30 days of completing each restoration, the subjects were reassessed to evaluate POS caused by stimulation with an air blast, horizontal and vertical percussion. In addition, marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, fracture, and recurrence of caries were evaluated using the FDI (World Dental Federation) criteria after 7 days and at 12 months.

RESULTS

No significant spontaneous or stimuli-induced POS was observed when restorations with or without GL were compared (p>0.05). A higher risk of spontaneous POS was observed within 7 days (40.0%; 95% CI 28.1 to 53.1), without statistically significant differences among groups. None of the participants reported POS at 12 months, however five restorations were considered clinically unsatisfactory (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The previous application of GL did not significantly reduce spontaneous or stimuli-induced POS in posterior resin composite restorations at any time, regardless of the adhesive strategy used.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The use of a glutaraldehyde-based desensitizing agent did not generate lower incidence of postoperative sensitivity in resin composite posterior restorations.

One-Year Clinical Performance of the Fast-Modelling Bulk Technique and Composite-Up Layering Technique in Class I Cavities

The aim of this study was to assess the one year clinical performance of a new application method, the Fast-Modelling Bulk Technique (FMBT), in comparison to the Composite-Up Layering Technique (CULT) in posterior cavities. Thirty patients with two class I cavities on permanent human molars were enrolled in the present study. A total of sixty class I cavities were prepared and randomly divided according to the restoration technique used: 30 cavities restored by incremental layering technique and modelling of the last layer with Composite-Up Technique (CUT) using the composite Filtek Z250XT (3M ESPE; St. Paul, MN, USA) and the other 30 restored by Bulk Filling technique and modelling of the last layer by Fast-Modelling Technique (FMT) using the composite Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative (3M ESPE; St. Paul, MN, USA). Restorations were evaluated for up to one year by two observers according to Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) criteria, through clinical and radiological exams. Exact Fisher tests were used for statistical analysis. (p ≤ 0.05). From a biological perspective, at baseline, teeth restored with both techniques did not reveal any postoperative sensitivity. However, with time, FMBT showed less postoperative sensitivity and therefore more desirable results than CULT with a nonsignificant difference after one year (p > 0.05). Concerning secondary caries, fracture of the material, and marginal adaptation, no significant difference was noted between both techniques (p > 0.05). Regarding marginal staining, CULT resulted in more staining with a significant difference, as compared to FMBT (p < 0.05). Upon radiological examination, FMBT showed a good marginal fit during the first year, whereas CULT showed small empty voids from baseline with a nonsignificant difference (p = 1.00). After one year of clinical function, both techniques showed promising results. The present study indicates that the new FMBT could have a positive effect on the marginal staining of resin composite.

Adhesive dentistry: Current concepts and clinical considerations

OBJECTIVES

To address contemporary concepts in adhesive dental materials with emphasis on the evidence behind their clinical use.

OVERVIEW

Adhesive dentistry has undergone major transformations within the last 20 years. New dental adhesives and composite resins have been launched with special focus on their user-friendliness by reducing the number of components and/or clinical steps. The latest examples are universal adhesives and universal composite resins. While clinicians prefer multipurpose materials with shorter application times, the simplification of clinical procedures does not always result in the best clinical outcomes. This review summarizes the current evidence on adhesive restorative materials with focus on universal adhesives and universal composite resins.

CONCLUSIONS

(a) Although the clinical behavior of universal adhesives has exceeded expectations, dentists still need to etch enamel to achieve durable restorations; (b) there is no clinical evidence to back some of the popular adjunct techniques used with dental adhesives, including glutaraldehyde-based desensitizers and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors; and (c) the color adaptation potential of new universal composite resins has simplified their clinical application by combining multiple shades without using different translucencies of the same shade.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

New adhesive restorative materials are easier to use than their predecessors, while providing excellent clinical outcomes without compromising the esthetic quality of the restorations.

The feasibility of characterising the effects of dental post-operative discomfort and sensitivity over time

OBJECTIVES

To assess the feasibility of using short message service text messages to solicit dental patients' experiences of post-operative dental discomfort and sensitivity (PODDS) and whether responses characterise change in PODDS over time.

METHODS

Patients were recruited from clinics following routine dental procedures, such as simple restorations or root surface debridement. They completed a short questionnaire collecting information on socio-economic circumstances, their recent experience of PODDS, the acceptability of receiving text message questions and their telephone number. Participants received a short question by text to their telephone for five consecutive days that asked them to respond with an indication (on a 1 to 10 scale) of their experience of PODDS at that time.

RESULTS

Questionnaires were completed by 34 participants, of whom text message responses were received from an average of 23.4 participants (min 20, max 26) across the five follow-up days. Regression analyses indicated that PODDS decreased over time (β = -0.24, 95% CI -0.36 to -0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Text messaging to solicit PODDS is feasible and can potentially be used to assess the efficacy of treatments designed to minimise or reduce PODDS.

Effectiveness of a resin-modified glass ionomer liner in reducing hypersensitivity in posterior restorations: a study from the practitioners engaged in applied research and learning network

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this randomized comparative effectiveness study conducted by members of the Practitioners Engaged in Applied Research and Learning (PEARL) Network were to determine whether using a resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) liner reduces postoperative hypersensitivity (POH) in dentin-bonded Class I and Class II resin-based composite (RBC) restorations, as well as to identify other factors (putative risk factors) associated with increased POH.

METHODS

PEARL Network practitioner-investigators (P-Is) (n = 28) were trained to assess sensitivity determination, enamel and dentin caries activity rankings, evaluation for sleep bruxism, and materials and techniques used. The P-Is enrolled 341 participants who had hypersensitive posterior lesions. Participants were randomly assigned to receive an RBC restoration with or without an RMGI liner before P-Is applied a one-step, self-etching bonding agent. P-Is conducted sensitivity evaluations at baseline, at one and four weeks after treatment, and at all visits according to patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

P-Is collected complete data regarding 347 restorations (339 participants) at baseline, with 341 (98 percent) (333 participants) recalled at four weeks. Treatment groups were balanced across baseline characteristics and measures. RBC restorations with or without an RMGI liner had the same one-week and four-week POH outcomes, as measured clinically (by means of cold or air stimulation) and according to patient-reported outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of an RMGI liner did not reduce clinically measured or patient-reported POH in moderate-depth Class I and Class II restorations. Cold and air clinical stimulation findings were similar between groups. Practical Implications. The time, effort and expense involved in placing an RMGI liner in these moderate-depth RBC restorations may be unnecessary, as the representative liner used did not improve hypersensitivity outcomes.

Comparing the antibacterial activity of gaseous ozone and chlorhexidine solution on a tooth cavity model

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antibacterial activity of gaseous ozone and chlorhexidine solution on a tooth cavity model.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-one human molars were divided into 3 groups. Cavities were then cut into the teeth (4 per tooth, 28 cavities per group). After sterilization, the teeth were left in broth cultures of 106 colony-forming units (CFU) ml-1 of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) at 36°C for 48 h. The appropriate treatment followed (group A, control; group B, 2% chlorhexidine solution; and group C, 80s of treatment with ozone, and the cavities were then filled with composite resin. After 72h, the restorations were removed, dentin chips were collected with an excavator, and the total number of microorganisms was determined.

RESULTS

Both of the treatments significantly reduced the number of S. mutans present compared with the control group and there was a significant difference between the all groups in terms of the amount of the microorganisms grown (p < 0.05). Group B was beter than group C; and group C was better than group A. Moreover, it was found that the amount of the growth in the group of chlorhexidine was significantly less than that of the ozone group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chlorhexidine solution was the antibacterial treatment most efficacious on S. mutans; however, ozone application could be an anlternative cavity disinfection method because of ozone's cavity disinfection activity. Key words:Antibacterial activity, chlorhexidine, ozone, streptococcus mutans, tooth cavity.

Critical appraisal. Current usage of glutaraldehyde/HEMA

The use of glutaraldehyde/2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) combinations has been recommended for routine use in restorative dentistry by many authors and opinion leaders. Clinical restorative sites are colonized by bacteria that can contribute to postoperative sensitivity or recurrent caries. The structure of dentin allows for fluid conductance, which has been identified by Brännström as the cause of dentin sensitivity and as well, its water content challenges short- and long-term adhesion. The glutaraldehyde/HEMA combination is stated to be antimicrobial, a flocculating agent that strengthens collagen, and an agent that can create tubular occlusion, thereby reducing postoperative sensitivity by limiting fluid movement without affecting the strength of bonding or adhesive cements. This Critical Appraisal reviews five publications that deal with the various issues and clinical challenges described above, and provides suggestions for additional reading. A Bottom Line summary is provided.

Postoperative sensitivity in Class V composite restorations: Comparing soft start vs. constant curing modes of LED

Background:

One of the major disadvantages associated with using composites is polymerization shrinkage; stresses are generated at the margins, and if these stresses exceed the bond strength, microleakage occurs at the tooth restoration interface which causes ingress of cariogenic bacteria, post-operative sensitivity, and secondary caries. LED offers several curing modes: constant cure, ramped cure, and soft start cure. It is claimed that soft start polymerization mode produces less polymerization shrinkage and consequently less postoperative sensitivity.

Objective:

To compare the postoperative sensitivity in Class V composite restorations using soft start and constant LED curing modes.

Materials and Methods:

Using the appropriate burrs cavity was prepared and filled with composite Z 100(3M-ESPE) using a incremental technique. Each increment of 2 mm was cured either with soft start or constant cure. All patients were evaluated at day 2 for postoperative sensitivity.

Results and Discussion:

Out of 124 restorations that were placed, only three restorations presented with postoperative sensitivity, each one being in mild, moderate, and severe categories, respectively. No relationship was seen between the sensitivity and tooth type. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative sensitivity in either of the treatment modalities (constant or soft start).

Conclusion:

We conclude that restorations placed with the soft start curing technique did not show significant changes in postoperative sensitivity when compared to the constant curing technique.

Effect of resin coating and chlorhexidine on the microleakage of two resin cements after storage

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the effect of resin coating and chlorhexidine (CH) on microleakage of two resin cements (Panavia F2.0, Nexus 2) after water storage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Class V cavities were prepared on the facial and lingual surfaces of 120 intact human molars with gingival margins placed 1 mm below the cementoenamel junction. Indirect composite inlays were fabricated. The specimens were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 40). Indirect composite inlays (Gradia) were cemented as follows: Group 1 (control): inlays were cemented with Panavia F2.0 according to the manufacturer's instructions. Group 2: the ED-primed (ED Primer, Kuraray Dental, Tokyo, Japan) dentin was coated with a resin layer before cementation of the inlays with Panavia F2.0. Group 3: a 2% CH solution was applied before bonding with Panavia F2.0. Group 4: after CH application, the primed dentin was coated with a resin layer before cementation with Panavia F2.0. Group 5: (control) after applying Optibond Solo Plus, the inlays were cemented with Nexus 2. Group 6: after etching, CH was applied, and cementation was performed similarly to group 5. Half the specimens in each group were stored in distilled water for 24 hours, while the other half were stored in distilled water for 6 months. After storage, the teeth were placed in 1% methylene blue dye for 24 hours, sectioned, and evaluated under a 20× stereomicroscope. Dye penetration was scored using 0 to 3 criteria. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests.

RESULTS

Resin coating of ED primer for Panavia F2.0 significantly reduced microleakage at the gingival margins after 6 months (p < 0.05). CH application in Panavia F2.0 did not lead to a significant difference in the microleakage at both margins, after 24 hours and 6 months (p > 0.05). The application of CH showed significantly less microleakage than that of the control group at the gingival margins of Nexus 2 after 6 months. In general, gingival margins showed more microleakage than occlusal margins.

CONCLUSION

An additional resin layer applied to a self-etch cement can improve long-term dentinal sealing for indirect restorations, while CH cannot; however, CH reduces gingival microleakage in an etch-and-rinse cement after aging.

Chlorhexidine release and antibacterial properties of chlorhexidine-incorporated polymethyl methacrylate-based resin cement

This study evaluated chlorhexidine release from experimental, chlorhexidine-incorporated polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based resin cements prepared from Super-Bond C&B (Sun Medical) and examined the antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. Chlorhexidine diacetate was added into PMMA polymer to obtain chlorhexidine concentration of 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 wt %. Chlorhexidine-incorporated, cured resin disks were immersed in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 5 weeks, and the chlorhexidine release was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antibacterial effect of freshly mixed resin cements was examined using the agar diffusion test. For the direct contact test, the wells (n = 6) of microtiter plates were coated with cements. The coated wells were aged up to 3 weeks prior to the placement of bacterial suspensions directly on cured cements. The 3.0 and 4.0% chlorhexidine-incorporated cement exhibited chlorhexidine release for 5 weeks; however, more than 98% of chlorhexidine was retained in resin matrix. No release was detected from the 1.0 and 2.0% incorporated cement at 1 week and 2 weeks, respectively. The agar diffusion test failed to detect antibacterial effects against Enterococcus faecalis, whereas the direct contact test revealed the antibacterial effect of 3.0 and 4.0% incorporated cements against each microbe for 2 weeks. The 3.0 and 4.0% chlorhexidine-incorporated resin cement possessed prolonged chlorhexidine release and antibacterial properties for 2 weeks.

Effect of chlorhexidine application on long-term shear bond strength of resin cements to dentin

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of chlorhexidine [CH] on dentin bond strength of three resin cements after 1 year of water storage.

METHODS

A flat middle dentin surface was prepared on 120 extracted premolars. The teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups of 20 specimens each according to the resin cement used: Panavia F2.0, Variolink II, and RelyX Unicem, with or without CH application. After cementation of an indirect composite rod [Z250], one subgroup [n=10] was tested after 24h in water at 37 ° C and the other subgroup [n=10] was tested after 1 year storage in water plus thermocycling. A shear bond strength [SBS] test was performed. The data [in MPa] were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey tests [P<0.05].

RESULTS

Three-way ANOVA [resin cement, CH and time] indicated that Variolink II had the highest strength [16.65 ± 3.60] and RelyX Unicem had the lowest strength [9.30 ± 4.07]. Chlorhexidine application increased SBS [13.31 ± 4.61] compared to samples without CH [12.16 ± 5.04] [P=0.04]. Initial SBS [15.63 ± 4.37] was significantly higher than after 1 year of storage [9.85 ± 3.36] [P<0.001]. Separate two-way ANOVA for 24-h and 1-year data showed that cement had a significant effect but CH and its interaction had no significant effect at 24h, whereas at 1 year the two factors and their interaction differed significantly [P ≤ 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Chlorhexidine 2% can diminish the loss of bonding effectiveness over time associated to etch-and-rinse and self-etch cements, although it appears not have any effect on self-adhesive cement.

Occurrence and causing stimuli of postoperative sensitivity in composite restorations

Despite improvements in composite treatments over the past decade, postoperative sensitivity still remains a problem. Therefore, this clinical study evaluated the appearance of postoperative sensitivity after composite treatments and the stimuli that may have caused it. A total of 600 teeth in 231 patients was included in this study. All treatments were performed by dental students working under close supervision following standard procedures and using the bonding system Optibond FL and the nanofilled composite Ceram X. At baseline (visit 1), the restorations were grouped according to the following criteria: use of anesthesia, use of a rubber dam, indication for the restoration treatment, cavity class and clinical dimension of the cavity. After approximately two weeks (at visit 2), all the restorations were assessed and failure was defined if one of the following criteria occurred: a negative reaction to the vitality test, postoperative pain from masticatory forces or reported postoperative sensitivity by the patient. The reported postoperative sensitivity was specified with a visual analogue scale into hot/cold-sensitivity, sweet/soursensitivity, sharp/dull-sensitivity, spontaneous sensitivity and blistering/stinging-sensitivity. Failure was observed in 6% of the restorations. The statistical analysis showed that the clinical cavity depth turned out to be the only factor to have a significant influence on the appearance of postoperative sensitivity: caries profunda showed a four times higher risk of failure, while cavities with pulp exposure had a 14 times higher failure risk compared to restorations that were localized in the dentin. With regard to the type of sensitivity, no patients reported sensitivity to sweet/sour; most of them described their sensitivity as sharp/dull.

Clinical Assessment of Postoperative Sensitivity in Posterior Composite Restorations

Posterior teeth restored with resin composite have been known to exhibit postoperative sensitivity. The type, size and design of the cavity, material properties and handling technique may influence the incidence of this sensitivity.