The outcome of a clinical trial of a dentin bonding system. Justice or injustice?

To review the findings and to question the outcome of a clinical evaluation of a dentin bonding system.

The study was a split mouth, single blind (to patient), randomised within patient, clinical trial of Tripton used in conjunction with Opalux and the ultrafine compact-filled, experimental visible light cured resin composite M221784 (ICI Dental) in the restoration of mixed (enamel/dentin), caries free buccal-surface cervical lesions in vital, permanent canine and premolar teeth. The design of the trial was based on the then current American Dental Association (ADA) Clinical Protocol Guidelines for Dentin and Enamel Adhesive Materials. Restorations were placed as dictated by a predetermined randomised number scheme with each patient recruited to the study receiving at least one pair of matched restorations, comprising one restoration of each resin composite.

The study reported was discontinued at 1 year subsequent to a 17% loss rate between 6 and 12 months after placement, with most of the restorations lost having been placed in what has subsequently become shown to be relatively unfavorable situations. It is suggested that the outcome of clinical trials of the type considered may warrant review in the light of new knowledge and understanding, and that regulatory bodies setting clinical protocol guidelines must give careful consideration as to whether the criteria for this type of trial should be more restrictive or required to include a representative range of clinically relevant situations.