Bulk dentine replacement versus incrementally placed resin composite: A randomised controlled clinical trial

ObjectiveThis randomized controlled clinical trial compared two techniques and materials for restoring carious teeth—Bulk dentine replacement versus incremental placement of a hybrid posterior resin composite material in terms of patient comfort (post operative sensitivity and tenderness on biting).Material and MethodsSeventy-two carious teeth were randomized to one of two treatment groups: Group A—were restored with a bulk dentine replacement material or Group B—restored with incrementally placed hybrid composite. Patients were followed up by way of a structured phone call at day 2 and day 7 post-operatively. Patients reporting discomfort at day 7 were subsequently followed up on days 14, and 30.ResultsAll patients were followed up. At day 2, 18/72 restored teeth had post-operative sensitivity; this figure fell to 10/72 at day 7. A Chi squared test revealed that at day 2 a greater level of sensitivity was reported by patients in Group A (P = 0.029). However, at day 7 there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of sensitivity (P = 0.453). 8/72 and 6 /72 teeth had tenderness to biting at days 2 and 7 respectively. A Chi squared test revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of tenderness on biting at any time period (P = 0.722). Interestingly, Class I cavities were found to be more tender on biting than Class II cavities. At day 30 2/72 teeth exhibited sensitivity and none of the teeth exhibiting tenderness on biting.ConclusionAt day 7 there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative sensitivity and tenderness on biting.