Sensitivity study in vivo: glass-ionomer versus zinc-phosphate bases beneath amalgam restorations

This study in vivo evaluated the sensitivity of class 1 and 2 amalgam restorations which had bases of either zinc phosphate or an admix, silver-reinforced glass ionomer. The evaluation of sensitivity was done by providing the patient with five postcard questionnaires to be mailed to the clinic over a period of time from one to 28 days. Teeth restored with amalgam and silver-reinforced glass ionomer were significantly less sensitive to cold than those restored with amalgam and zinc phosphate.