Dentin moisture does not influence postoperative sensitivity in posterior restorations: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial evaluated the influence of dentin moisture on postoperative sensitivity (POS) in posterior restorations using a simplified etch-and-rinse adhesive, until 12 months of clinical service.

METHODS: 90 restorations were inserted in 45 patients to treat carious lesions or to replace existing posterior restorations with a depth ≥ 3 mm. After cavity preparation, the simplified etch-and-rinse adhesive (Adper Single Bond 2) was applied on dry or wet dentin followed by a bulk-fill resin composite (Filtek Bulk Fill) under rubber dam isolation. The patient's spontaneous and stimulated POS was evaluated at baseline and after 7 days, 6 months, and 12 months of clinical evaluation. The secondary parameters (marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, fracture and recurrence of caries) were evaluated by World Dental Federation (FDI) criteria after 7 days, 6 and 12 months of clinical evaluation.

RESULTS: No significant spontaneous and stimulated POS was observed when dry and wet dentin were compared (P> 0.05). A significant and higher risk of spontaneous POS (18.6%; 95% CI 9.7 to 32.6) occurred up to 48 hours after restoration placement for both groups when compared to all evaluation times (P< 0.03). However, the intensity of POS was mild at up to 48 hours with a difference between the dry and wet dentin groups (P> 0.79). When secondary parameters were evaluated, no significant difference between the groups were observed (P> 0.05).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The moisture level of the dentin substrate in posterior restorations does not influence POS in bulk-fill resin composite posterior restorations when associated with an etch-and-rinse ethanol-based adhesive system.