Short- and long-term clinical evaluation of post-operative sensitivity of a new resin-based restorative material and self-etching primer.

This study evaluated the post-operative sensitivity of posterior restorations restored with a resin-based restorative material and a self-etching primer. Forty-six restorations, 28 Class I and 18 Class II were placed by two clinicians in 25 patients. After cavity preparations were completed under rubber dam isolation, they were restored using a self-etching primer (Fluorobond, Shofu Inc, Kyoto, Japan) and a resin-based restorative material (Beautifil, Shofu Inc, Kyoto, Japan). Patients were contacted on days 2 and 7 post-operatively and questioned regarding the presence of sensitivity, the stimuli that created sensitivity, the length of time the sensitivity lasted and its intensity using a rating scale from slight to severe. If sensitivity was experienced on day 7, patients were also contacted on days 14, 30 and 90 to assess the degree of sensitivity. All patients were recalled after 6-, 12- and 24-months for further evaluation of any sensitivity experienced. Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact Test were used for statistical analysis. At day 2, six restorations were sensitive to cold with no statistical difference (p > 0.05) from the restorations that were not sensitive. At day 7, only two restorations were sensitive. No sensitivity was present after day 14, which was also confirmed at the six-month recall. No correlation could be established among the duration of the sensitivity, the degree of pain and the causes that initiated sensitivity (p > 0.05). At one-year recall, one restoration was replaced due to post-operative sensitivity that started after the six-month recall. No sensitivity was noted at the 24-month recall. No correlation (p > 0.05) was found between sensitive restorations and those with a normal response throughout the study. The study showed that Fluorobond self-etching primer and Beautifil resin-based restorative material, when placed in posterior restorations, do not result in long-term post-operative sensitivity.