Clinical Performance of 3D-Printed Bioactive Resin Restorations Compared with Conventional Composite Restorations
Keywords:
3D printing, bioactive resin, dental restorations, resin composite, clinical performance, surface qualityAbstract
Background: Three-dimensional (3D)-printed bioactive resin restorations are emerging as an alternative restorative approach with potential advantages in clinical performance and surface quality.
Objective: To compare the clinical performance of 3D-printed bioactive resin restorations with conventional composite restorations over a 6-month clinical follow-up.
Methodology: This prospective, parallel-group comparative study was conducted in the Department of Operative Dentistry, from Jan 2025 to December 2025. A total of 120 adult patients requiring suitable posterior restorations were enrolled through consecutive sampling, with 60 patients allocated to 3D-printed bioactive resin and 60 to conventional composite restorations. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and during 6-month follow-up, including restoration survival, marginal integrity, postoperative sensitivity, anatomical form, surface quality, secondary caries, fracture, and restoration loss.
Results: Restoration survival was 91.67% in the 3D-printed group compared with 85.00% in the conventional group (p=0.251). Clinically acceptable marginal integrity was observed in 86.67% versus 76.67% (p=0.155), while absence of postoperative sensitivity was recorded in 88.33% versus 78.33% (p=0.130). Acceptable anatomical form was present in 91.67% versus 81.67% (p=0.104). Acceptable surface quality was significantly higher with 3D-printed resin (90.00% vs. 75.00%, p=0.043).
Conclusion: 3D-printed bioactive resin restorations demonstrated favorable short-term clinical performance comparable to conventional composite restorations, with significantly better surface quality.
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