Comparison of Post-Operative Sensitivity in Deep Cavities Restored With Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) Liner versus Cavity Varnish

Abstract

Background: Post-operative sensitivity can result from restoring deep carious lesions, causing a decline in patient satisfaction and comfort. Protection materials like cavity varnishes and Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) liners have been used to address dentin sensitivity.

Objective: This study aimed to assess post-operative sensitivity in deep cavity restorations and compare the effectiveness of cavity varnishes and GIC liners.

Methods: The study was a randomized clinical trial. Participants were 100 patients between the ages of 18–40 with deep Class I and Class II carious lesions and in need of restorative treatment. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of two equally sized groups (n = 50). A GIC liner was used in Group A and cavity varnish was used in Group B. Post-operative sensitivity was measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) 24 hrs, 7 days, and 30 days after treatment. Data were evaluated using independent sample t-test and Chi-square tests. The level of significance was set to p < 0.05.

Results: The participants had a mean age of 28.6 ± 5.4 years. Compared to participants in the cavity varnish group, participants in the GIC group had a mean VAS score that was significantly lower at 24 hours (GIC, 2.1 ± 1.2; cavity varnish, 3.4 ± 1.5; p = 0.002). At 7 days, a mean VAS score of 0.9 ± 0.8 was reported for the GIC group and 1.9 ± 1.1 for the cavity varnish group (p = 0.001). At 30 days, GIC liners showed persistent mild sensitivity in 6.0% of patients, and cavity varnish showed persistent mild sensitivity in 20.0% of patients (p = 0.038). The GIC group reported overall satisfaction of 90.0% and the cavity varnish group reported a satisfaction of 74.0%.

Conclusion: In reducing post-operative sensitivity following the restoration of deep cavities, Glass Ionomer Cement liners showed a greater effect than cavity varnish. GIC liners may be more effective in protecting the dentin tubules and may improve the comfort of patients during the healing process.