Clinical And Radiographic assessment of proximal contacts and contours in class II restorations of primary molars using different matrix systems-an In Vivo Study

This in vivo study involves the selection of primary molars based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pre-operative periapical radiographs are taken to assess the extent of caries, followed by Class II cavity preparation. The teeth are randomly allocated into three groups based on the matrix system used: Group I receives a circumferential Tofflemire matrix, Group II receives a TOR VM sectional contoured metal matrix, and Group III receives a Unimatrix sectional metal matrix . After isolation and pulpal protection, all cavities are restored with class 9 glass ionomer cement. Post-restoration finishing and polishing are performed, followed by application of petroleum jelly and acquisition of standardized postoperative bitewing radiographs. Proximal contacts are evaluated clinically using dental floss according to FDI-based criteria, while proximal contours are assessed radiographically using established criteria. Assessments are carried out by the primary investigator, with random verification by a second investigator to ensure reliability.