Does the liner material influence pulpal vitality in deep carious cavities submitted to selective caries removal? A network meta-analysis review.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the restorative material in direct contact with the dentin influences pulp vitality in primary and permanent teeth with deep carious lesions restored after selective caries removal (SCR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic searches of databases MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus and ISI Web of Science were performed for primary and permanent teeth. Inclusion criteria were applied for title and abstract reading of databases search results. After full texts review of included studies, those that did not meet exclusion criteria were excluded from meta-analysis. RESULTS: For meta-analysis, 2 studies were included for permanent teeth and 6 for primary teeth. The failure events reported were meta-analyzed using two statistical methods: standard pairwise meta-analysis (SPMA) and network meta-analysis (NMA). The SPMA identified similar failure occurrence of restorations performed with calcium hydroxide (CH) and other liner materials (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.41, 1.74; p = 0.64), no significant difference between the use of alternative liners or CH regardless deciduous or permanent teeth (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.36, 1.71; p = 0.55) and similar risk of failing at different follow-ups for all liner materials tested (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.35, 1.70; p = 0.52). Probabilistic analysis indicated GIC as liner material with the highest probability of clinical success (SUCRA = 72.76%), and CH ranked as the worst liner material (SUCRA = 21.81%). CONCLUSION: Pulpal vitality was not affected by material used as liner after selective caries removal in deep carious cavities. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Current clinical evidence supports the weak recommendation to not use calcium hydroxide as liner after SCR.

A Quality Improvement Project to Optimize Fluoride Varnish Use in a Pediatric Outpatient Clinic with Multiple Resident Providers.

The pediatric clinic at Kapi'olani Medical Center provides dental varnish to prevent decay. A chart review (conducted August 1-31, 2017) revealed that only 49.6% of eligible children received varnish. Among those who did not receive varnish, no explanation was provided in 83.9% of the charts. This quality improvement project was designed to increase delivery and documentation of dental varnish. The participants were 14-15 pediatric and psychiatry residents (11 present for all cycles). Cycle 1 interventions were a 5-minute resident educational session on the importance and process of fluoride varnish, and visual reminders on all order entry computers in the clinic. Cycle 2 intervention consisted of a prompt added to the clinic's default well child visit templates requiring notation of whether varnish was given and a reason if not. Data for cycle 2 was collected over 6 weeks as some residents chose to use their own templates, serving as an unplanned comparison group. Application of varnish increased to 77.7% (P < .001) after cycle 1, and was statistically unchanged for cycle 2 (74% (P = .24)). Documentation of reason for lack of varnish was missing in 80% (P = .59) after cycle 1 and 17 % (P < .001) after cycle 2 (with prompt). In the cycle 2 comparison group using their own templates, the varnish application rate was 71% (P < .001) with no explanation for lack of varnish 84% of the time (P = .95). Brief educational interventions may result in increased use of fluoride varnish in resident-based clinics. Task based prompts or stop measures in electronic medical record templates can improve documentation, which can inform efforts to improve varnish application.

Effect of flowable composite or glass ionomer liners on shrinkage stress of a composite resin / Efecto de recubrimientos con resinas de baja viscosidad o ionómero vitreo sobre la tensión por contracción de una resina compuesta

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of flowable composite or glass ionomer liners on the shrinkage stress of a restorative composite resin. Fifteen previously sandblasted metal boxes were attached to a universal mechanical testing machine (INSTRON 1011, Instron Corporation). Five of these boxes were filled with Filtek Z350 XT (FXT) Universal Restorative A2 (3M ESPE) (Group 1 or Control). Two further groups of 5 boxes were prepared by interposing a layer of Vitrebond Light Cure Glass Ionomer 3M ESPE (VGI) (Group 2 or G.I.) or Filtek Z350 XT Flowable Restorative A2 3M ESPE (FFR) (Group 3 or Flowable) between the box and the composite resin, completing with the same volume of composite as in Group 1. Upon activating lightcuring, the filled boxes mounted on the testing machine were videoed for 60 seconds (40 s photoactivation and 20 s postcuring), timed with a digital chronometer. Force values were recorded in newtons and converted into stress according to contact surface. Stress values were recorded every 10 s. Results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Mean and standard deviation in kPa (stress) recorded for each group were: Control group: 126.2 (30.8); G.I.: 48.4 (18); Flowable: 27.9 (19.5). Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the control group and the rest (p<0.01), with no significant difference between groups with glass ionomer liners and flowable resin liners (G.I. and Flowable). Under the experimental conditions of this study, it can be concluded that polymerization shrinkage stress can be reduced by the presence of a liner between the preparation and the restorative material.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la colocación de una capa de Composite flow o Ionómero vítreo sobre la tensión de contracción de un composite para restauración. Se utilizaron 15 cajas metálicas previamente arenadas y conectadas a la máquina universal para ensayos mecánicos (INSTRON 1011, Instron Corporation). Cinco de estas cajas (G1) se rellenaron con Filtek Z350 XT (FXT) Universal Restorative A2 3M ESPE. Al iniciar la activación de la unidad de curado se comenzaba a registrar con una cámara de video y un cronómetro digital desde el comienzo de la activación de la lámpara hasta 60 s después, registrando los valores post curado durante 20 s. Los valores de fuerza generados por la polimerización fueron registrados en newton de cada 10 s para los 15 ensayos. Los valores fueron convertidos en tensión de contracción según la superficie de contacto. Se realizaron además dos grupos de cajas (5 en cada una) en los cuales se colocaron una capa inicial de Vitrebond Light Cure Glass Ionomer 3M ESPE (VGI) (G2 o IV) y Filtek Z350 XT Flowable Restorative A2 3M ESPE (FFR) (G3 o Flow) y se completó con el mismo volumen de composite de las del GI. Los resultados obtenidos fueron analizados por medio de ANOVA para mediciones repetidas. La media y la desviación estándar en kPa (tensión o estrés de contracción) registrado para cada grupo fueron: Grupo control: 126.2 (30.8); IV: 48.4(18); Flow: 27.9(19.5). El análisis estadístico mostró diferencias estadística mente significativas entre el grupo control y el resto (p=0.00), pero no hubo diferencias significativas entre la presencia de Ionómero vítreo o Composite Flow (IV y Flow). En las condiciones experimentales de este trabajo puede concluirse que la tensión de contracción generada durante la polimerización puede ser disminuida por la presencia de algún material interpuesto entre la preparación y el composite restaurador.

Improving oral health through dental fluoride varnish application in a primary care paediatric practice.

Dental caries affect 97% of people during their lifetime. A total of 59% of children aged 12-19 will have at least one documented cavity. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends fluoridated toothpaste to all children starting at tooth eruption, regardless of caries risk. Besides, fluoride varnish is recommended for all children every 3-6 months from tooth emergence until they have a permanent dental home. This project aimed to increase oral fluoride varnish application for children starting at 6 months or the time of tooth eruption up to 3 years of age by at least 50% over 18 months. The stakeholders identified were physicians, nurses, medical assistants and the health information team. We obtained baseline data about oral health screening and fluoride varnish from both the clinic sites. The quality improvement (QI) project was based on Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles with a 6-month gap in-between the three cycles. For the first cycle, all medical staff members participated in 2-hour knowledge and skills training on dental caries and current recommendations on fluoride varnish. PDSA cycle 2 involved having automatic reminders for providers in electronic medical records. PDSA cycle 3 planned to have automatic fluoride orders for the recommended age groups. The QI team analysed the results after every 6 months, and improvements were made based on the input from data and medical staff. The number of patients who had fluoride varnish applied increased from 14% (n=50) to 55% at the end of PDSA cycle 3. Administration of the varnish did not affect the flow of the patients in busy primary care practice. The rate of improvement was across all the age groups, providers and in both clinical sites. It is possible to adhere to the oral fluoride varnish guidelines in a busy primary care practice, which may help benefit young children who are at risk for caries.

A randomized clinical trial of cavity liners after selective caries removal: one-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Alternatives for the treatment of caries disease, such as minimally invasive approaches, have been developed in recent years. OBJECTIVE: To carry out clinical and radiographic evaluations of three cavity liners after selective caries removal. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-six primary molars with deep occlusal caries lesions without pulp involvement (from children of both genders, aged between 5 and 8 years) were randomly divided into the following groups: calcium hydroxide cement (CHC) group; mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) group and Portland cement with added zirconium oxide (PCZ) group. The following-up period was 6- and 12-month. The clinical and radiographic success rates were evaluated through chi-square test. The radiographic measurements were compared by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were included, but thirty-four returned for 12-month follow-up. The overall success rate of the therapy for the three groups was 94.11% and no statistically significant differences occurred in the comparison among groups (p>0.05). Nineteen radiographs were selected to measure the dentin barrier thickness. The intragroup comparison presented a statistically significant increase of the dentin barrier for all groups, at 12-month follow-up. However, the MTA group showed increase of the dentin barrier, over time, 6- to 12-month follow-up. The intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiographic data showed that all cavity liners provided effective treatment of primary teeth after selective caries removal.

In vitro evaluation of apical microleakage in retrofillings with different resection angles.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of flowable composite or glass ionomer liners on the shrinkage stress of a restorative composite resin. Fifteen previously sandblasted metal boxes were attached to a universal mechanical testing machine (INSTRON 1011, Instron Corporation). Five of these boxes were filled with Filtek Z350 XT (FXT) Universal Restorative A2 (3M ESPE) (Group 1 or Control). Two further groups of 5 boxes were prepared by interposing a layer of Vitrebond Light Cure Glass Ionomer 3M ESPE (VGI) (Group 2 or G.I.) or Filtek Z350 XT Flowable Restorative A2 3M ESPE (FFR) (Group 3 or Flowable) between the box and the composite resin, completing with the same volume of composite as in Group 1. Upon activating lightcuring, the filled boxes mounted on the testing machine were videoed for 60 seconds (40 s photoactivation and 20 s postcuring), timed with a digital chronometer. Force values were recorded in newtons and converted into stress according to contact surface. Stress values were recorded every 10 s. Results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Mean and standard deviation in kPa (stress) recorded for each group were: Control group: 126.2 (30.8); G.I.: 48.4 (18); Flowable: 27.9 (19.5). Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the control group and the rest (p<0.01), with no significant difference between groups with glass ionomer liners and flowable resin liners (G.I. and Flowable). Under the experimental conditions of this study, it can be concluded that polymerization shrinkage stress can be reduced by the presence of a liner between the preparation and the restorative material.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la colocación de una capa de Composite flow o Ionómero vítreo sobre la tensión de contracción de un composite para restauración. Se utilizaron 15 cajas metálicas previamente arenadas y conectadas a la máquina universal para ensayos mecánicos (INSTRON 1011, Instron Corporation). Cinco de estas cajas (G1) se rellenaron con Filtek Z350 XT (FXT) Universal Restorative A2 3M ESPE. Al iniciar la activación de la unidad de curado se comenzaba a registrar con una cámara de video y un cronómetro digital desde el comienzo de la activación de la lámpara hasta 60 s después, registrando los valores post curado durante 20 s. Los valores de fuerza generados por la polimerización fueron registrados en newton de cada 10 s para los 15 ensayos. Los valores fueron convertidos en tensión de contracción según la superficie de contacto. Se realizaron además dos grupos de cajas (5 en cada una) en los cuales se colocaron una capa inicial de Vitrebond Light Cure Glass Ionomer 3M ESPE (VGI) (G2 o IV) y Filtek Z350 XT Flowable Restorative A2 3M ESPE (FFR) (G3 o Flow) y se completó con el mismo volumen de composite de las del GI. Los resultados obtenidos fueron analizados por medio de ANOVA para mediciones repetidas. La media y la desviación estándar en kPa (tensión o estrés de contracción) registrado para cada grupo fueron: Grupo control: 126.2 (30.8); IV: 48.4(18); Flow: 27.9(19.5). El análisis estadístico mostró diferencias estadística mente significativas entre el grupo control y el resto (p=0.00), pero no hubo diferencias significativas entre la presencia de Ionómero vítreo o Composite Flow (IV y Flow). En las condiciones experimentales de este trabajo puede concluirse que la tensión de contracción generada durante la polimerización puede ser disminuida por la presencia de algún material interpuesto entre la preparación y el composite restaurador.

A randomized clinical trial of cavity liners after selective caries removal: one-year follow-up

Abstract Alternatives for the treatment of caries disease, such as minimally invasive approaches, have been developed in recent years. Objective: To carry out clinical and radiographic evaluations of three cavity liners after selective caries removal. Methodology: Thirty-six primary molars with deep occlusal caries lesions without pulp involvement (from children of both genders, aged between 5 and 8 years) were randomly divided into the following groups: calcium hydroxide cement (CHC) group; mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) group and Portland cement with added zirconium oxide (PCZ) group. The following-up period was 6- and 12-month. The clinical and radiographic success rates were evaluated through chi-square test. The radiographic measurements were compared by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p<0.05). Results: Thirty-six patients were included, but thirty-four returned for 12-month follow-up. The overall success rate of the therapy for the three groups was 94.11% and no statistically significant differences occurred in the comparison among groups (p>0.05). Nineteen radiographs were selected to measure the dentin barrier thickness. The intragroup comparison presented a statistically significant increase of the dentin barrier for all groups, at 12-month follow-up. However, the MTA group showed increase of the dentin barrier, over time, 6- to 12-month follow-up. The intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). Conclusion: The clinical and radiographic data showed that all cavity liners provided effective treatment of primary teeth after selective caries removal.

Effect of Different Cavity Lining Techniques on Marginal Sealing of Class II Resin Composite Restorations In Vitro.

This study investigated the effect of different cavity lining techniques on the marginal sealing of Class II composite restorations. A total of 36 human molar teeth, free of caries and fillings, were each prepared with two proximal Class II boxes mesially and distally. In mesial boxes, cavity liners were applied as follows: in group 1, separately cured flowable composite; in group 2, co-cured flowable composite; and in group 3, resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI). The remaining cavities were filled incrementally with a universal restorative composite. The distal boxes were filled with no liner as controls. After thermocycling, the specimens were immersed in a silver nitrate solution and the microleakage was evaluated. Analysis of variance showed that the degree of microleakage for group 3 was significantly lower than that of the other groups. Based on the results, it was concluded that the use of RMGI as a cavity liner under composite restorations showed the least microleakage. Flowable composites, whether co-cured or separately cured, had no influence on the marginal sealing.

Comparison Of Frequency Of Post Operative Sensitivity In Amalgam Restorations Using Copal Varnish And Dentin Adhesive Liner.

BACKGROUND: Micro leakage around the margins of a restoration is believed to be one of the main causes of postoperative sensitivity. Dental amalgam is a non-insulating material and has the potential to transfer heat and cold causing irritation of the pulp. Different dentin tubule sealers are used under amalgam restoration to compensate for this post-operative sensitivity. This study was conducted to compare the frequency of sensitivity in amalgam restorations using copal varnish and dentin adhesive liner (dentin bonding agent). METHODS: A total of 60 patients of either gender, aged 18-40 years having class 1 carries in posterior teeth were included. Teeth with restorations, dentinal sensitivity and patients taking analgesic drugs for chronic pain conditions were excluded. The selected patients were placed randomly into Group A (copal varnish) & Group B (dentin adhesive liner), by using computer generated table of random numbers. Restored teeth were evaluated 1-month post operatively for sensitivity. RESULTS: Mean age was 25.63±5.42 years. Out of 60 patients, 68.0% were females and 32.0% were males with a female to male ratio of 2:1. The mean post-operative pain score was 2.83±2.79 in Group A and in Group B, it was 1.43±2.14 with a p-value of 0.03. There was no pain on application of a cold stimulus in 14 (46.7%) patients in Group A (copal varnish) while in Group B (Dentin adhesive), no pain was seen in 23 (76.7%) patients with p-value of 0.02. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that dentin adhesive liner (dentin bonding agent) is better than copal varnish in reducing postoperative sensitivity in amalgam restorations.

Concept and clinical application of the resin-coating technique for indirect restorations.

The resin-coating technique is one of the successful bonding techniques used for the indirect restorations. The dentin surfaces exposed after cavity preparation are coated with a thin film of a coating material or a dentin bonding system combined with a flowable composite resin. Resin coating can minimize pulp irritation and improve the bond strength between a resin cement and tooth structures. The technique can also be applied to endodontically treated teeth, resulting in prevention of coronal leakage of the restorations. Application of a resin coating to root surface provides the additional benefit of preventing root caries in elderly patients. Therefore, the coating materials have the potential to reinforce sound tooth ("Super Tooth" formation), leading to preservation of maximum tooth structures.

Microleakage of Class II composite resin restorations with self-adhesive composite resin liners.

This study investigated the microleakage of Class II composite restorations with composite resin liners. Standardized box cavities were prepared on the mesial and distal surfaces of 84 extracted intact human molars. Proximal margins were located in enamel (occlusal) and 1.0 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction (gingival). The teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 28 cavities) and restored with Filtek Z350 nanohybrid composite resin (FZ). The test groups were lined with a conventional flowable composite resin, Premise Flowable (PF), or 1 of 2 self-adhesive composites (SACs): Vertise Flow (VF) or Clearfil SA luting cement (CSA) with or without their respective self-etching adhesives: Optibond All-in-One (OB) or Clearfil SE Bond (CSE). The adhesive/lining procedure was performed as follows: OB/FZ (control), OB/PF/FZ, VF/FZ, OB/VF/FZ, CSA/FZ, or CSE/CSA/FZ. Microleakage was evaluated at the occlusal and gingival margins using a dye penetration technique and quantitative assessment. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data at the significance level of α = 0.05. None of the restorative techniques was capable of preventing microleakage completely. The greatest amount of microleakage was detected in the VF/FZ and CSA/FZ groups at both margins (P < 0.02). Among the groups placed with a bonding agent, OB/VF/FZ showed significantly greater values of microleakage at the occlusal margins than did OB/FZ, OB/PF/FZ, and CSE/CSA/FZ (P < 0.05). At the gingival margins, the OB/PF/FZ group exhibited the least leakage compared with the OB/VF/FZ and CSE/CSA/FZ groups (P < 0.001). The results indicated that the additional application of bonding agents improved the marginal sealing of SACs in Class II composite restorations.

No additional benefit of using a calcium hydroxide liner during stepwise caries removal: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinicians often use calcium hydroxide liners during stepwise treatment of advanced caries. In this randomized clinical trial, the authors compared the short-term outcome of stepwise caries removal with and without use of a calcium hydroxide liner in conjunction with provisional resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) restorations. METHODS: The authors included in the trial 98 patients aged 15 to 30 years who had a deep carious lesion in a posterior tooth. The authors measured the dentin thickness radiographically and recorded its color, consistency, and moisture, as well as the bacterial count of the lesions. After partial caries removal, the authors assigned patients randomly to have their caries provisionally restored using RMGI with (control group) or without (test group) a calcium hydroxide liner. The primary outcome measure was tooth vitality after 90 days. Secondary outcomes included changes in dentinal, radiographic, and microbiological characteristics of the lesions. RESULTS: The authors found no statistically significant difference between the test and control groups in tooth vitality after 90 days. Irrespective of calcium hydroxide liner use, the authors observed darker, harder, drier, and less contaminated dentin after the provisional restorations, but dentin thickness remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this 3-month clinical trial's results, the use of a calcium hydroxide liner during stepwise caries excavation and provisional restoration did not provide any additional benefit. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: After 3 months, using a calcium hydroxide liner does not appear to offer any additional benefit when clinicians use RMGI provisional restorations during stepwise caries removal. Longer studies are needed to confirm these results.

Effect of Lining Materials on Shear Bond Strength for Composite Restorations In Vitro.

This study evaluated the influence of liner agents placed under resin composite restorations on shear bond strength (SBS) to dentin. A total of 40 extracted bovine incisors were used. Enamel surfaces were ground to expose a flat dentin area of 7 mm in diameter. Teeth were divided into four groups according to tested liners: Group 1 (control) used no liner; Group 2 used a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement liner (Vitrebond Plus, 3M ESPE); Group 3 used a light-activated calcium hydroxide resin liner (Ultra-Blend Plus, Ultradent); and Group 4 used a polyacrylic acid surface treatment + conventional glass-ionomer cement liner (Vidrion F, SSWhite). All groups were subjected to bonding procedures with Single Bond (3M ESPE) and 4-mm-thick buildups of resin composite were fabricated. Artificial aging was performed, and the specimens were submitted to mechanical shear testing. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences among liners (P = .00). Group 4 showed the highest SBS. Group 1 showed significantly higher mean SBS compared with Group 3. Results showed that SBS is improved when using polyacrylic acid surface treatment + conventional glass-ionomer cement and decreased when using light-activated calcium hydroxide when compared with no liner. Polyacrylic acid surface treatment + conventional glass-ionomer cement as a liner placed under adhesion surface can improve the shear bond strength between dentin and resin, while light-activated calcium hydroxide resin should be used restrictedly in very deep cavities, because they may reduce the bond strength of the restoration submitted to masticatory forces and temperature changes in the oral environment.

Use of lining materials under posterior resin composite restorations in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate opinions on, and current use of lining materials prior to the placement of posterior resin composite restorations by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the UK. A further objective was to investigate aspects of posterior resin composite restoration placement techniques employed by UK GDPs. METHODS: A questionnaire was devised to gain the information sought. It was sent to 500 UK dentists, chosen at random from the register of the General Dental Council. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty four replies were received, which gave a response rate of 71%. Eighty two percent of respondents reported placing lining materials in deep cavities to be restored with resin composite. Regarding moderately deep cavities, half of the respondents indicated a preference to place a lining material, whilst 44% were not sure if a lining was required. The remaining 6% did not respond to the question. Of the respondents, 39% reported that they did not place lining materials in shallow cavities. Regarding techniques for posterior resin composite placement, two-step etch and rinse systems were the most common adhesive bonding systems used (60%). The majority of respondents (80%) reported not using rubber dam when restoring posterior teeth with resin composite. CONCLUSIONS: There was considerable confusion about the need to place a lining prior to resin composite restorations placement in moderate depth and shallow cavities, whilst most favoured the placement of a lining in deep posterior cavities. The majority of GDPs may not routinely use rubber dam for the placement of posterior resin composite restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Decision making and operative techniques for cavity linings under posterior composite restorations in moderately deep and deep cavities is contentious among dentists, resulting in a need to generate more convincing, practice-relevant data on the use of lining materials to inform the dental profession.

Three-year clinical evaluation of class II posterior composite restorations placed with different techniques and flowable composite linings in endodontically treated teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical performance of direct resin composite restorations placed with different techniques (incremental or bulk) and different flowable linings (conventional or bulk-fill) in endodontically treated teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven pair class II (mesio-occlusal or disto-occlusal) composite restorations were placed in 37 patients. In all cavities, Adper Single Bond 2 was used. In one of the cavities of each pair, a conventional flowable composite, Aelite Flo, was applied in approximately 2 mm thick, and the remaining cavity was restored incrementally with GrandioSO. In the second cavity, a bulk-fill flowable composite, x-tra base, was applied in approximately 4 mm thick in bulk increments and the remaining 2-mm occlusal part of the cavity was restored with GrandioSO. All cavities were restored with open-sandwich technique by the same operator. At baseline and after 6-month, 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up visits, restorations were evaluated by modified USPHS criteria. RESULTS: At 3-year recall, 33 restorations with Aelite Flo lining and 33 with x-tra base lining were available. Two restorations from each group (6.0 %) were scored as Bravo in terms of surface texture. One restoration's color match from x-tra base group scored as Bravo (3.0 %). All other evaluated criteria were scored as Alfa (100 %) for all restorations. No statistically significant difference between the two groups was found in all evaluated criteria during 3-year period (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bulk-filling technique showed clinically acceptable performance comparable to the incremental technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Restorations placed with bulk-filling technique with x-tra base lining and incremental technique with a conventional flowable lining showed highly clinical performance over 3-year period.

Comparison of Two Base Materials Regarding Their Effect on Root Canal Treatment Success in Primary Molars with Furcation Lesions.

Introduction. The aim of this study was to compare MTA with another base material, IRM, which is generally used on pulpal floor after root canal treatment, regarding their effect on the success of root canal treatment of primary teeth with furcation lesions. Materials and Methods. Fifty primary teeth with furcation lesions were divided into 2 groups. Following root canal treatment, the pulpal floor was coated with MTA in the experimental group and with IRM in the control group. Teeth were followed up considering clinical (pain, pathological mobility, tenderness to percussion and palpation, and any soft tissue pathology and sinus tract) and radiographical (pathological root resorption, reduced size or healing of existing lesion, and absence of new lesions at the interradicular or periapical area) criteria for 18 months. For the statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test and Pearson's chi-square tests were used and a p value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results. Although there were no statistically significant differences between two groups in terms of treatment success, lesions healed significantly faster in the MTA group. Conclusion. In primary teeth with furcation lesions, usage of MTA on the pulpal floor following root canal treatment can be a better alternative since it induced faster healing.

Evaluation of the efficacy of flowable composite as lining material on microleakage of composite resin restorations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of flowable composite in improving marginal adaptation or reducing microleakage is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate existing evidence to verify whether an application of flowable composite as a liner provided less microleakage in Class 2 composite restorations. METHOD AND MATERIALS: PubMed, ISI (Web of Science), and Scopus databases were searched according to the selected keywords, up to 15 Feb 2015, without any restriction on date or language. Full texts of published articles that seemed to meet primary criteria for inclusion in this research were obtained. Data of studies were extracted if they were assessed as high or moderate level of evidence. Due to the variation of methods used in different studies, they were divided into five groups: groups 1 and 2, studies that evaluated the effect of flowable composite as a liner on dentinal or enamel margins and applied flowable composite on all of the cavity wall margins; groups 3 and 4, studies that evaluated the effect of flowable composite as a liner on dentinal and enamel margins and applied flowable composite only on gingival margin; and group 5, clinical studies. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 1,370 publications. After hand searching, six extra studies were included in the review. The abstracts of all were read independently by AB and SG. After methodologic assessment and evaluation of the level of evidence, 18 studies were selected for this study. The results of this study indicate that flowable composite liners have no significant effect on microleakage of composite restorations in all of five groups. CONCLUSION: Application of flowable composite as a liner in composite restorations cannot reduce microleakage or improve clinical performance.

Cavity lining after excavating caries lesions: meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: After removal of dentine caries lesions, cavity lining has been advocated. Non-clinical data support this approach, but clinical data are sparse and ambiguous. We aimed at evaluating the benefits and harms of cavity lining using meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis. DATA: We included randomized clinical trials comparing restorations without versus with cavity lining for treating primary caries lesions. Only trials reporting failure (defined as need to re-retreat) after ≥1 year follow-up were included. Trial selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. We conducted random-effects intention-to-treat and per-protocol meta-analyses, and Trial Sequential Analysis to control for random errors. SOURCES: Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL) were systematically screened, and hand searches and cross-referencing performed. STUDY SELECTION: From 128 studies, three randomized trials (89/130 patients or teeth), all treating primary teeth, were included. The trials had high risk of bias. All trials compared no lining versus calcium hydroxide lining after selective caries removal followed by adhesive restoration. Follow-up was 36 to 53 months. Restoring the cavity without lining did not significantly affect the risk of failure (intention-to-treat relative risk (RR) (95% confidence interval) 0.71 (0.49-1.04), per-protocol RR 0.52 (0.24-1.10). According to Trial Sequential Analysis, no firm evidence was reached. The quality of evidence was very low. CONCLUSIONS: Strong recommendations for using cavity liners are unsubstantiated, but firm evidence for omitting lining is also unavailable. Our findings apply only to primary teeth and calcium hydroxide liner. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Whilst lining is frequently performed in dental practice, very few randomized clinical trials investigated this issue. The three trials included in this review treated deciduous teeth and did not find lining with calcium hydroxide beneficial. Lining is not supported by sufficient clinical evidence.

The Influence of Liners on the Pulp Inflammation.

INTRODUCTION: The study included application of liners and dental composites in to cavities of six experimental animals-rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate rabbit dental pulp response to different liners. Methods Cavity preparation for class V were made on the maxillary central incisors and one lower incisor, while the second lower incisor served as a control tooth. These teeth were restored with the use of one of the following liners--Calcimol LC, ANA Liner and Fuji II LC Improved, and Ceram-X mono dental composite. After an observation period of five days animals were sacrificed and prepared for histological analysis.The existence and degree of the pulp inflammation was determined by using a light microscope. RESULTS: Results showed that the used liners do not cause distortion of the structure and continuity of the odontoblastic layer. Inflammation was not registered in the control group, while in each group of tested materials one tooth with mild signs of hyperemia was registered. Results showed that all three tested liners demonstrated favorable effects on the pulp of the tooth and did not lead to inflammatory reactions. CONCLUSION: Histological analysis of the dental pulp of experimental animals suggests that the liners used in this study do not compromise the integrity of the odontoblastic layer, if it is applied over a thin layer of dentin. In each group of tested materials one tooth with mild signs of hyperemia and vasodilation was registered.