Randomized Controlled Trial of Class II ART High-viscosity Glass-ionomer Cement and Conventional Resin-composite restorations in Permanent Dentition: Two-year Survival.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To compare the 2-year cumulative survival rates of class II restorations made according to Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) with axial grooves and the high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement (HVGIC) Equia Fil (GC) and the conventional method using the resin composite Filtek Z250 (3M Oral Care). Materials and Methods: A parallel-group study design and a stratified randomization process (DMFS count and cavity size) were applied. Restorations were evaluated according to the ART restoration and USPHS criteria. Data were statistically analyzed using the proportional hazard rate regression model with frailty correction. Results: 272 class II restorations were placed in 131 people (mean age 26.2 years) by two dentists. The dropout rate of restorations was 2.6%. According to ART restoration and USPHS criteria, the 2-year cumulative survival rates of class II ART/HVGIC restorations were 96.2% and 97.0%, respectively, and 97.8% and 98.5%, respectively, for the conventional class II resin-composite restorations. No differences were observed in the cumulative survival rates between the two treatment groups at 2 years (ART criteria p=0.26; USPHS criteria p=0.23). Conclusion: HVGIC Equia Fil used in the ART method with axial grooves and Filtek Z250 in the conventional method provided high survival rates for restoring class II cavities over 2 years.