Three-year Follow-up Outcomes of Bonded Ceramic Posterior Restorations

A market exists for resin luting agents providing mechanical and chemical retention of restorations with potential for decreased post-operative sensitivity. Objective: Complete 3-year recall of subjects who finished a research study in 2004. Original research evaluated outcomes of posterior indirect inlay/onlay ceramic restorations seated with single-step vs. multi-step resin luting agent. Methods: In the original study, 54 subjects (95 restorations) completed a 12 month recall. 30 subjects (50 restorations) completed the 3-year recall. In the original study, subjects had class I or II ceramic restorations seated and placed under rubber dam. Restorations were randomized in the original study based on the bonding system [Single step: Unicem 3M Espe (n=48 study and 24 @ 3 year) or multi-step: Variolink, Ivoclar (n=47 original and 26 @ 3 year)]. The outcome assessment [USPHS criteria and Pain and sensitivity] at 1 year and 3 years were determined by 2 calibrated examiners. Pain and sensitivity was assessed in both studies using the 21 point VAS pain measurement instrument. Results: In the original study, observer agreement for USPH criteria was 100% except for adaptation (93.8%), discoloration (92.6%), and color match (90.1%). At 3-year recall, observer agreement for USPH criteria was 100% (corresponding to kappa of 1.0) except for color match (98%, kappa=0.94). Observed values for all criteria were Alpha or Bravo. In both the original and 3-year recall, there was no difference in post-operative sensitivity and clinical outcomes comparing two bonding systems. At the three-year recall, all VAS ratings were 0, except one restoration = value of “4.” Conclusion: At the 3-year recall, there was no evidence of an affect associated with treatment group for any measures, using a 0.05 level of significance. This was the case for the USPHS criteria and the VAS scale. Supported by 3M/ESPE.