Clinical performance of pulpotomized primary molars restored with resin-based materials. 24-month results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic success rates of pulpotomized (formocresol) primary molar teeth restored with a resin-based composite (TPH) or a polyacid-modified resin composite (Dyract AP) over a 2-year period.

METHODS

100 composite and 100 compomer restorations were placed over pulpotomized teeth by two clinicians in 84 patients. Two other calibrated clinicians evaluated the restorations using the modified USPHS/Ryge criteria observing the following characteristics: marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, wear/anatomic form, enamel loss and caries. Mann Whitney U test, Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests were used for statistical analysis (P= 0.05).

RESULTS

At 24 months, 80 composite and 72 compomer restorations were available for evaluations. Except for baseline, compomer restorations showed significantly more marginal discoloration (P= 0.001) and marginal disintegrity (P= 0.001) than did the resin composite. Compomer restorations demonstrated a significant increase in minor enamel cracks along restoration margins over time (P= 0.001), but no chipping or loss of enamel was detected. Caries was observed only in 2.8% of compomer restorations and was restricted to restoration margins. 2% of composite and 17% of compomer restoration-treated teeth were extracted due to radiographic evidence of failure. Pathological root resorption patterns observed beneath failed compomer restorations were strongly suggestive of coronal microleakage.