Comparison of Post-Cementation Sensitivity Between Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement and Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement as a Luting Material-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE

To compare post-cementation sensitivity between resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) used as luting agents for single crowns.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat, Pakistan. A total of 496 eligible participants were randomized into two groups: GIC (n = 248) and RMGIC (n = 248). Post-cementation sensitivity was recorded at 24 h, 1 week, and 1 month using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS), with scores categorized as no, mild, moderate, or severe sensitivity. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests, and linear mixed-effects models adjusted for age, gender, jaw, and prosthesis location.

RESULTS

Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between groups. Post-cementation sensitivity was consistently lower in the RMGIC group compared to the GIC group across all time points. Median sensitivity scores at 24 h were 4.0 (GIC) versus 3.0 (RMGIC, p < 0.001); at 1 week, 2.0 versus 1.0 (p < 0.001); and at 1 month, both minimal but significantly lower in the RMGIC group (p < 0.001). The adjusted mixed-effects model confirmed that RMGIC significantly reduced sensitivity compared to GIC (β = -0.53; OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.46-0.75; p < 0.001). Sensitivity was highest at 24 h (β = 2.96; OR 19.3, 95% CI 15.3-24.3; p < 0.001), followed by 1 week (β = 0.81; OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.77-2.86; p < 0.001), and declined markedly by 1 month. Age showed a modest protective effect (β = -0.008; OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99-1.00; p = 0.04), while gender, jaw, and prosthesis location were not significant predictors. A significant interaction at 24 h showed RMGIC provided an additional reduction in sensitivity compared to GIC (β = -0.83; OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.31-0.61; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

RMGIC demonstrated significantly lower post-cementation sensitivity compared to conventional GIC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was retrospectively registered with Clinical Trials Registry of ClinicalTrials.gov(registration#NCT07102121) on August 3, 2025.