A retrospective clinical study of resin-modified glass ionomer restorations in the primary posterior dentition

Abstract

The study's objective was to evaluate the survival rate of resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) when used in a capsule form for restoring primary molars. The study was performed in a private pediatric dental practice in Indianapolis, Indiana. Patients included in this retrospective study had at least one RMGI restoration that had been in place at least 12 months previous to the restoration exam and chart review., The material used was Fuji II LC in capsules (GC., Alsip, IL). The cavity preparations were similar to that of amalgam restorations except that there was less extension for prevention, they were more conservative and with rounded line angles. The restorations were placed per the manufacturer’s instructions. The restorations were evaluated using a grading system that is a modification of the one used by Gunner Ryge. The results were as follows: 114 restorations were evaluated in 48 patients with a mean age of restorations of 35.42 months (12 to 76 months). The restorations received Alpha and Bravo grades for Marginal Integrity and for Wear at a rate of 96.0 and 95.6%, respectively, and 95.0% had no Recurrent Caries. The study showed a 93% success rate for restorations. This result supports previous research in that RMGI may be the material of choice when attempting to intracoronally restore primary molars. Also, the use of the capsule form which is mixed through trituration eliminated possible hand mixing errors, and the use of application tips and bulk filling the cavity might improve the overall strength of the restorations.