Clinical Evaluation of Composite Restorations with and without Polyethylene Fiber in First Permanent Molars: A 24-Month Randomized Clinical Trial

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the 24-month clinical performance of composite resin restorations with and without polyethylene fiber in the first permanent molars of pediatric patients with extensive caries. Material and Methods: In total, 75 Class II restorations were placed in the permanent molar teeth of 75 children (mean age 11.3 years) with (FC; n=38) or without (C; n=37) fiber. One operator placed all the restorations. The restorations were evaluated using the modified USPHS criteria in terms of retention, color match, marginal discoloration, anatomic form, marginal adaptation, secondary caries, and postoperative sensitivity. Statistical data were analyzed using chi-square and Cochran tests (p<0.05). Results: At the end of two years, 65 restorations (FC:31; C:34) were followed up. No changes were observed during the first six months. After 24 months of follow-up, there were minor changes in marginal adaptation and marginal color in both groups; however, no statistically significant difference was observed between the clinical performances for all criteria (p>0.05). Conclusion: Extensive composite restorations with or without fibers displayed good clinical performance in high load-bearing areas after 24 months.

Effect of light curing units and storage time on the degree of conversion of fissure sealants / Efeito das unidades fotopolimerizadoras e do tempo de armazenamento no grau de conversão dos selantes de fissuras

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of light curing units and storage time on the degree of conversion of fissure sealants. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Three different fissure sealants were used: a resin-based pit and fissure sealant (Clinpro SealantTM), a polyacid modified resin composite (Dyract SealTM), and a resin modified glass ionomer cement (VitremerTM). Each fissure sealant was polymerized with a halogen, high intensity quartz tungsten halogen, LED. Half of the specimens were tested to assess the degree of conversion immediately after polymerization and the others after one month’s storage in artificial saliva. The degree of conversion was measured by FTIR. The data were analyzed using two way ANOVA. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of Dyract SealTM showed significant differences between the DC values of samples tested immediately and again after one month’s storage (p < 0.05). The DC values of ClinproTM increased after the storage period (p < 0.05). The DC of VitremerTM showed no change after storage (p > 0.05). Results of the curing units testing showed no significant differences among the DC of samples polymerized with LED, HQTH, OTH tested immediately and again after one month for Dyract SealTM, VitremerTM and Clinpro SealantTM (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Light curing units had no effect on the degree of conversion of the fissure sealants. But storage after initial light activation and polymerization for one month in artificial saliva can affects on DC of fissure sealants.

OBJETIVO: Investigar o efeito de unidades de polimerização por luz no grau de conversão dos selantes de fissuras. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Três diferentes selantes foram utilizados: um selante resinoso de fissuras (Clinpro SealantTM, uma resina composta poliácida modificada (DyractSealTM) cimento de ionômero de vidro modificado (VitremerTM). Cada selante de fissura foi polimerizado por LED halógeno de quartzo/tungstênio. Metade dos espécimes foi testada para assegurar o grau de conversão imediatamente após polimerização e outros após um mês de armazenamento em saliva artificial. O grau de conversão foi medido por FTIR. Os resultados foram analisados por meio do ANOVA. RESULTADOS: A análise estatística do Dyract SealTMdemonstrou diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os valores DC dos espécimes testados imediatamente e novamente após um mês de armazenamento (p < 0,05). Os valores do ClimproTM aumentaram após o período de armazenamento (p < 0.05). O DC do VitremerTM não demonstraram alterações após o armazenamento (p > 0.05). Os resultados das unidades de fotopolimerização não mostraram diferenças significantes ente DC de amostras polimerizadas com LED, HQTH, O TH testados imediatamente e novamente após um mês para o Diract SealTM, VitremerTM e Climpro SealantTM. CONCLUSÃO: Unidades de fotopolimerização não tiveram efeito no grau de conversão dos selantes de fissuras. Porém, armazenamento após ativação inicial e polimerização por um mês em saliva artificial pode afetar o DC dos selantes de fissuras.