Clinical evaluation of a resin-based desensitizing agent and a self-etching adhesive on the reduction of postoperative sensitivity of amalgam restorations.

AIM The aim of this randomized, double blind clinical trial was to compare three lining materials (Adper Prompt L-Pop, VivaSens, and Copalite) versus unlined restorations on postoperative cold sensitivity of class I amalgam restorations. METHODS AND MATERIALS Potential subjects were screened for the presence of four initial class I carious lesions on posterior teeth. Each tooth was assigned to treatments according to a randomized block design. After cavity preparation, teeth were lined with either VivaSens, Adper Prompt L-Pop, or Copalite, and one tooth remained unlined and served as a control. The cavities were filled with high copper amalgam (Oralloy). The time taken for a subject to respond to a standardized cold stimulus (CRM) was recorded at baseline, 24 hours, one week, and one month after treatment. Participants filled out a self-report questionnaire at each time point. Data was gathered by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan Multiple Comparisons tests (alpha=0.05). RESULTS Twenty subjects participated in this study. Comparisons within each group found no significant reduction in mean CRM for the Adper Prompt L-Pop group (P>0.05), but a significant difference in mean CRM for the VivaSens group was observed at one week and one month intervals after restoration (P<0.05). Copalite and the unlined groups showed significant mean CRM reductions after one day (P<0.05). No significant differences between groups receiving Adper Prompt L-Pop and Copalite were found at any time point (P>0.05). VivaSens showed more cold sensitivity than Adper Prompt L-Pop at one week and one month recalls (P<0.05), while the most cold sensitivity was found in the unlined group. CONCLUSION Adper Prompt L-Pop and Copalite reduced postoperative sensitivity to cold more than VivaSens and unlined groups at all assessment time points, 24 hours, one week, and one-month post treatment. The subjects receiving Copalite, VivaSens, and unlined restorations experienced greater sensitivity to cold at one month compared to baseline, while subjects receiving the Adper Prompt L-Pop liner experienced no greater sensitivity to cold from baseline to one month. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Adper Prompt L-Pop as a liner under spherical high copper amalgam successfully reduced cold postoperative sensitivity.