A preliminary study on a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement for transitional restorations and subsequent core buildups

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serviceability of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement for transitional restorations and subse quent core buildups in endodontically treated maxillary premolars. Material s and Methods: Fifty Vitremer restorations were made in 42 patients by one operator during a period of 5 months. After 1 year of follow up, the qualit y of the restorations was assessed for the variables occlusal contacts, pro ximal contacts, marginal adaptation, and surface roughness. Survival was es timated at 2 years of service either as a transitional restoration or as a core buildup. Results: The percentage survival of the transitional restorat ions was 85% +/- 6%. When the crowned Vitremer restorations were added to t he transitional restorations, the 2-year survival was 98% +/- 2%. With resp ect to the quality assessment, the majority of the restorations showed eith er no or light occlusal contacts and no or light contacts on at least one o f their proximal surfaces. Marginal integrity and surface roughness were co nsidered to be suboptimal on average. Conclusion: The described restoration s seem to perform adequately for a transitional period of 1 to 2 years. The ir viability as substructures for permanent cast restorations remains to be tested in long-term clinical studies.