The prevalence of postoperative sensitivity in teeth restored with Class II composite resin restorations

Abstract

Postoperative sensitivity is one of the problems a dentist can encounter after restoration of a tooth with composite resin. To reduce the possible causes of these complaints, the operative procedure has been adapted to some suggestions of other investigators. In this study the postoperative sensitivity was evaluated in a comparison between composite resin and amalgam: 244 (standard) class II restorations were made by three dentists in fifty-six patients. Each patient received one or two series of four experimental restorations: three of composite resin (Herculite XR, Clearfil Ray Posterior, Visiomolar) and one of amalgam (Tytin). All restorations were made according to a fixed protocol. The occurrence of postoperative sensitivity was recorded. Fifty-seven restorations showed a varying period of postoperative sensitivity; no case lasted longer than half a year. Molars have more postoperative sensitivity than premolars; the difference, however, is not significant (P greater than 0.05). The study shows further that there is no difference in postoperative sensitivity between restorations of composite resin and those of amalgam. The occurrence of postoperative sensitivity does not seem to be influenced by the choice of treatment procedure, type of tooth (premolar/molar), or by the patient or the dentist.