Evaluation of post-operative sensitivity and secondary caries in posterior composite restorations: a 12 month study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate post-operative sensitivity and secondary caries associated with posterior composite restoration. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study involved restoration of occlusal and proximo-occlusal caries on premolars and molars of 62 patients seen at the out-patient clinic of the restorative department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. The restorations were completed with a micro-hybrid light curing resin composite (Unolux BCS, UnoDent, England). Following total etch procedure and use of a type 2 (5th generation/one-bottle) adhesive. The USPHSC or modified Ryge criteria was employed for direct evaluation of the restorations over the 12 month period. RESULTS Post-operative sensitivity was 3.5% Bravo at baseline and 1.7% Bravo at 12 months. No significant change in result was recorded for post-operative sensitivity at the end of the evaluation period. 100% was recorded for the absence of secondary caries throughout the evaluation period up till the 6 th month when a failed restoration scored 1.7% Bravo. At 12 months Alpha scores for secondary caries was 98.3%. CONCLUSION Post-operative sensitivity was kept to a minimum and there were no occurrences of secondary caries.