Comparative Evaluation of Postoperative Sensitivity Following Restoration of Class I Cavity with Three Different Restorative Materials: A randomized controlled trial.

Patients within the age range of 18-30 years will be selected. A detailed medical history will be taken from each patient followed by clinical examination. Radiographic examination will be done to confirm. Patients will be informed about the details of study procedure and informed consent form will be obtained from them.  Postoperative Sensitivity will be assessed using VAS from all the patients.

Following rubber dam application, a class I cavity will be prepared on the occlusal surface of tooth using round and straight bur in a high-speed handpiece with water spray. Carious tooth structure will be removed until sound tooth structure will be detected by tactile examination using dental probe. Before restoration, the cavity will be checked for any debris, then cleaned and dried. The teeth will be then restored depending on the restoration group they will be randomly allotted to.

 The subjects will be randomly divided into three groups of 10 samples each. (n=10)

Groups will be as follows:-

Group I: Selective enamel etching of the prepared cavity will be carried out for 15 s with etchant. Thorough rinsing of the etchant with a water jet followed by gentle drying with an air jet will be done. Using a disposable applicator tip, the dentin and enamel surfaces will be covered with a substantial coating of bonding agent. Excess material will be removed by a gentle stream of air so that adhesive covers enamel and dentin completely without pooling and light-cured for 20 s. The cavity will be then restored with composite resin followed by light cured for 20 s.

 Group II: A thick layer of self-etch bonding agent will be applied using disposable applicator tip 10 s. Excess material will be removed by a gentle stream of air so that adhesive covers enamel and dentin completely without pooling and light-cured for 20 s. The cavity will be then restored with composite resin followed by light cured for 20 s.

 Group III: Selective enamel etching of the prepared cavity will be carried out for 15 s with etchant. Thorough rinsing of the etchant with a water jet followed by gentle drying with an air jet will be done. Using a disposable applicator tip, the dentin and enamel surfaces will be covered with a substantial coating of bonding agent. Excess material will be removed by a gentle stream of air so that adhesive covers enamel and dentin completely without pooling and light-cured for 20 s. Cention N will be then manipulated and condensed into the cavity followed by a 20 s light cure.

       Patients will be given postoperative instructions including maintenance of oral hygiene. Patients will be asked to record any episode of sensitivity if experienced using a 0–10 visual analog scale (VAS scale) and to place a mark anywhere on the horizontal VAS scale depending on the intensity of pain with 0 indicating “no pain” and 10 indicating “unbearable sensitivity” after 24 hrs and 7 days.