Clinical evaluation of flowable composite resin containing pre-reacted grass-ionomer

Objectives: Flowable resin restoration is useful for the child with caries. When inexperienced clinicians perform composite resin restoration, improper placement techniques can lead to problems, including marginal adaptation, void and secondary caries formation. Pre-reacted grass-ionomer (PRG) filler release high amount of fluoride. It may be important for the prevention of secondary caries and adhesion of bacterial flora on the resin surface. Further, good marginal adaptation of flowable resin comparing with paste-type was reported. This in vivo study aimed to investigate the clinical evaluation of flowable resin containing PRG filler.

Methods: PRG filler containing flowable resin was applied for 63 in primary, and 55 cavities in permanent teeth (total 118 cavities). 35 cavities were performed class I or III restoration, and 28 were class II restoration in primary teeth. 41 cavities were performed class I or III restoration, and 14 were class II restoration in permanent teeth. After 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, we examined about detachment, marginal fracture, and secondary caries formation. Cavity preparation was performed with single step bonding reagent.

Results: After 3 and 6 months, 1 case in primary and 1 in permanent tooth showed marginal fracture. They were appeared in the region of over filling resin, but not associated with the prepared cavities. After 9 and 12 months, marginal fracture and detachment of filled resin were not observed in primary and permanent teeth. Almost all other cases have a good prognosis.

Conclusion: PRG filler containing flowable resin may be predictable effective for resin restration both primary and permanent teeth.