clinical trial using glass ionomers amalgams and composites. [Part-II]

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of a 2 year clinical trial comparing glass ionomer with amalgam and composite restorations in the primary molars. SUBJECT and METHODS: Stratified cluster random sampling of 6-8 year old was generated in 1993. After a clinical oral examination consent was obtained from the accompanying parents to restore the carious lesions identified with either amalgam, glass ionomer or composites. The sequence of the restorative material was decided randomly by the dental assistant at the start of the session. This sample was then followed until 1995. The 3 restorative materials were evaluated with criteria of durability, wear and discoloration. 77.7% of the glass ionomer restorations were sound as compared to 70.5% of the amalgams and 56.59% of the composites. 82% of the glass ionomers restorations showed minimal wear clinically as compared to 63% with the amalgams and composites. The difference was not significant. Marginal discoloration was highest in the glass ionomers group 67.2% as compared to 36.6% for composite. The difference was significant [P<0.01]. Glass ionomers can play an important part as a long lasting restoration in the deciduous dentition. The dual curing glass ionomers have successfully solved the problem of retention