EQUIA - RCT in the field: Longevity after 24 months

Method: Dental practitioners (DP, N=3194) were invited to join a prospective, double blind RCNBT (DRKS-ID: DRKS00004220) to set 8 fillings (single-surface (f1) or two-surface (f2)) of Fuji IX fast (GIC) or EQUIA in their general dental practice (GDP). A standardized lecture informed the practitioners of the clinical indications, manufacturer considerations, clinical procedures and Follow-ups. Fillings in cooperated by the dental practitioners were evaluated by external examiners in yearly Follow-up according FDI criteria.

Result: Only 7.1% (N=144) of the GDP joined the NBRCT and placed a total of 973 fillings. 66.2% (N=644) fillings complied with the study protocol, 57.1% (GIC: N=184, EQUIA: N=183) fulfilled manufacturer’s indications (MI). A Kaplan-Meier survival test showed a 99.0% survival rate for EQUIA (N=320), 97.8% SR (N=315) for GIC in 12 months. In 24 months the survival rate for GIC and EQUIA was 95.2% (N=311) and 97.4% (N=318) consequently. MI (EQUIA) survival rate was 99.5% for 12 months and 96.3% for 24 months. The survival rate for MI (GIC) for 12 months was 98.7% and 96.1% over a period of 24 months. All the fillings (N=644) were evaluated as clinically good to clinically excellent.

Conclusion: The results showed good clinical performance of GIC and EQUIA. No significant differences in survival rate were found between both materials. Cavity preparation and material application should adhere to the indications and recommendations set by the manufacturer in order to have a higher filling longevity. The ongoing Follow up will strengthen the current results.