Clinical Evaluation of Class I Resin Coated Glass Ionomer Restorations

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical performance of a new glass ionomer system used for Class I restorations.

Method:

Fifty class I carious lesions affecting the pits and fissures of permanent premolars and molars were restored with a new glass ionomer system called EQUIA(GC, Japan). Prior to cavity preparation an impression with condensation silicone was performed and used as a mould for the future restoration. The prepared cavities were filled with a bulk of glass ionomer and the silicone mould was reapplied and left in place until the setting of the material. After that occlusion was adjusted and a resin coat was applied on the surface of the restorations and light cured for 20sec. Restorations were evaluated at baseline, after 3 and 6 month using the modified USPHS criteria at 4.5X magnification. The Pearsons`s chi square test was used for statistical analysis (p< 0.05).

Result:

At baseline all restorations received A (Alfa) scores for all the evaluated criteria except color matching where 33.33% revealed a score B (Bravo). At the 6 months evaluation none of the restorations was missing. 58.33% of them showed a visible color mismatch. No marginal discolorations, marginal crevices, visible surface defects, loss of original anatomic form or secondary caries were evident. Concerning the luster, 66.67% of the placed restorations had an opaque appearance of the surface with evident loss of the resin coat. After reapplication of the resin coat all the restorations regained their initial luster.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this study we can conclude that the chosen working technique combined with this new glass ionomer system offers the dental practitioner a quick method for the long term restoration of class I carious lesions.