Effect of different liner treatments on postoperative sensitivity of amalgam restorations

Objective: The purpose of this clinical study was to assess the sensitivity experienced and reported by patients following treatment of primary cariou s lesions with Class I or Class II amalgam restorations. Method and materia ls: Only previously untreated teeth were selected. The cavity preparations were treated according to one of four regimens: group 1 = no liner; group 2 = two coats of a copal varnish; group 3 = a dentin adhesive resin liner; g roup 4 = a resin-modified glass-ionomer liner. Patients were contacted on d ays 2 and 7 postoperatively and questioned regarding the presence or absenc e of sensitivity if sensitivity was experienced, they were asked which stim uli created the sensitivity the length of time it lasted, and its intensify on a subjective scale. If sensitivity was experienced on day 7 patients we re also contacted on days 14, 30, and 90 to assess the degree of sensitivit y Nineteen teeth were included in each of the four groups. Results: By days 2 and 7 no significant difference existed among groups; by day 14, 22% of restorations in group 2 and 17% of those in group 3 were sensitive, while t eeth in groups I and 4 exhibited no sensitivity reactions. Conclusion: Use of a resin-modified glass-ionomer liner or no dentin treatment resulted in short-term sensitivity in fewer than one third of the teeth. Almost one thi rd of the teeth restored with a dentin adhesive resin liner or copal varnis h exhibited initial sensitivity, which lasted up to 30 days in a few teeth.