Comparison of Efficacy of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer and Composite Restoration in Inhibition of Secondary Caries in Primary Molars

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and compare clinical performance and caries inhibition of Resin modified glass ionomer cement and composite restoration in primary molars

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Operative Dentistry, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Feb 2019 to Jan 2020.

Methodology: Eighty-three patients fulfilling the selection criteria having at least one carious mandibular primary molar on both sides were divided by split-mouth design. Resin-modified Glass ionomer restorations were done on one side and termed Group-A, and Composite Restorations were done on the other side and termed Group-B. Each restoration was clinically evaluated regarding the appearance of secondary caries at 3, 6 and 12 months after placement by the same operator who performed the treatment.

Results: A total of 166 conventional restorations were placed in the 83 children having carious mandibular primary molars, at least one on each side of the arch. The assessment of restorations, performed after six months, showed an 89.2% success rate of Resin modified Glass ionomer restorations and a 66% success rate of Composite Restoration. One year of follow-up showed an 80% success rate for Resin modified Glass ionomer restorations and 60% for Composite Restoration, as regards secondary caries; statistically significant differences were found in both groups.

Conclusion: The study results showed that Resin modified Glass ionomer cement used to restore primary molars affected by caries performed better clinically than composite in assessing secondary caries.