Prevalence of postoperative sensitivity with indirect Class II resin composite inlays.

In this clinical trial, the prevalence of postoperative sensitivity is studied in a comparison of standard size indirect class II resin composite inlays with class II amalgam restorations. Fifteen percent of the 240 restored teeth (resin composite and amalgam restorations) showed some form of sensitivity, the majority of them of a passing nature. No difference was found between amalgam and composite restorations. Molars appear to show more complaints than premolars and, rather than the restorative material applied, the patient seems to determine the results. Differences in prevalence of sensitivity between direct resin composite restorations in a previous study and the indirect restorations are discussed, using among others the differences in sensitivity that were found between the amalgam-control restorations of both studies.