Critical appraisal: post-op sensitivity with direct composite restorations

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Clinical dentistry
• Evidence-based dentistry

Background:

• Self-etch adhesive systems have seen significant sales growth over the past decade.
• A key driver of this growth is the perceived reduction in postoperative sensitivity compared to etch-and-rinse adhesives.
• Anecdotal evidence supports this perception, but scientific validation is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically appraise the scientific evidence regarding postoperative sensitivity.
• To compare self-etch adhesives with etch-and-rinse adhesives concerning postoperative sensitivity.
• To evaluate clinical trial data on posterior composite restorations.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical trials focusing on postoperative sensitivity.
• Analysis of data comparing self-etch and etch-and-rinse adhesive systems.
• Focus on posterior composite restorations.

Main Results:

• Evidence from clinical trials on postoperative sensitivity is presented.
• The study critically evaluates the scientific basis for the perception of reduced sensitivity with self-etch adhesives.
• Findings relate specifically to posterior composite restorations.

Conclusions:

• The scientific evidence regarding postoperative sensitivity with self-etch adhesives needs careful examination.
• Clinical trial data is essential to validate or refute the perception of reduced sensitivity.
• Further research and critical appraisal are necessary for informed clinical decision-making.