A short-term clinical evaluation of a tricure glass-ionomer system as a transitional restoration and core buildup material

Objective: A general dental practice study investigated the use of a resin- modified glass ionomer material as a transitional restoration and as a core buildup material. The study also assessed a resin-modified glass-ionomer l uting system. Method and materials: Fifty-one badly broken-down vital perma nent molar teeth in 44 patients were restored. No dentin pins were placed; however, preexisting pins were retained in 7 teeth. Following baseline and 3-month assessments complete veneer gold crowns were placed on the selected teeth. The preparations involved ferruling in sound tooth tissue. The comp leted crowns were reviewed 3 and 12 months after placement. Modified US Pub lic Health Service criteria were used for assessment throughout. Clinical a ssessment was complemented by examination of photographic records and repli cas obtained from silicone impressions. Results: All 51 transitional restor ations were found to be clinically satisfactory at the 3-month review. Nine teen (37%) transitional restorations had limited defects that were eliminat ed in crown preparation. Of the 51 permanent crowns, 46 (90%) were reviewed at 3 months and 44 (86%) at 1 year. AII the crowns reviewed at 3 and 12 mo nths were clinically satisfactory The luting system investigated showed fav orable handling characteristics and excellent short-term performance. Concl usion: The materials investigated are, over a period of at least 12 months, effective in the restoration of broken-down molar teeth destined to be cro wned With the use of these materials and ferruling, the use of dentin pins may be unnecessary in selected cases.