Clinical Evaluation of Short Fiber-Reinforced Composite Restorations With and Without Preheating Approach

Tanta University70 enrolled

Overview

To clinically evaluate the performance of preheated versus non-preheated short fiber-reinforced composite (SFRC) restorations in Class I posterior cavities over a 12-month period

Resin-based composites are widely used for posterior restorations due to their aesthetic properties and adhesive capabilities. However, polymerization shrinkage stress and insufficient fracture resistance remain major concerns in stress-bearing areas. Short fiber-reinforced composites (SFRCs) were developed to improve mechanical properties and crack-stopping ability. everX Posterior (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) contains randomly oriented E-glass fibers within a resin matrix, enhancing fracture toughness and load-bearing capacity. Preheating composite materials has been proposed to reduce viscosity, improve flow, enhance cavity adaptation, and potentially increase the degree of conversion. Elevated temperature reduces internal friction among monomers, thereby improving polymerization kinetics. Despite promising laboratory findings, limited clinical evidence exists regarding the impact of preheating on SFRC performance. Therefore, this randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the clinical behavior of SFRC restorations placed with and without preheating in Class I cavities over 12 months

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Composite Resins Teeth Sensitivity Restoration Design Composite Restoration

Interventions

Preheated everX Posterior compositeOTHER

Application of everX Posterior composite after preheating to 54°C using a composite warmer, followed by placement, adaptation, and curing according to manufacturer guidelines.

Non-preheated everX Posterior compositeOTHER

Application of everX Posterior composite at room temperature, placed and cured according to manufacturer instructions.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 25 YearsMax age: 40 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Presence of bilateral Class I carious lesions in posterior teeth requiring restorative treatment * Teeth with vital pulps and no signs of irreversible pulpitis * Good general health Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with poor oral hygiene or high caries risk * Presence of parafunctional habits (e.g., bruxism) * Patients with systemic diseases affecting oral health or salivary flow

Locations (2)

Restorative Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University

Tanta, Tanta, Egypt

Restorative Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University

Tanta, Tanta, Egypt

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Marginal adaptation

Assessment of the marginal integrity of restorations using FDI criteria, including presence of gaps, discoloration, or ditching at restoration margins.

Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months

Secondary Outcomes

Restoration retention and fracture resistance

Evaluation of restoration survival, including retention and presence of fractures or chipping, according to FDI functional criteria.

Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months

Postoperative sensitivity

Assessment of patient-reported sensitivity following restoration placement, evaluated clinically using FDI biological criteria

Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months

Recurrence of caries

Detection of secondary caries associated with the restorations using clinical examination based on FDI criteria.

Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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