Clinical evaluation of a glass ionomer cement in primary molars.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a high powder:liquid ratio self-cure glass ionomer cement in the restoration of primary molars.


METHODS
Fuji IX GP (GC International, Tokyo, Japan) was used to restore 129 carious cavities (56 1-surface; 73 2-surface) in 69 patients of mean age 6 y 7 mo. Approximal cavities were prepared with a slot only design, and all cavities were small to medium in size. Restorations were evaluated at 6 mo, 1 y and 2 y using USPHS criteria, and the survival rate calculated using survival analysis.


RESULTS
The cumulative survival rate of single-surface restorations was 100 percent at 2 y, and of 2-surface restorations was 99 percent at 6 months and 1 year, and 93 percent at 2 y. All failures were due to loss of restoration. The overall USPHS alfa ratings at 2 y were: marginal discoloration, 96 percent; anatomic form, 100 percent; marginal adaptation, 99 percent. There was no incidence of secondary caries.


CONCLUSIONS
A high powder:liquid ratio glass ionomer cement was successful over 2 years in the restoration of small-medium sized cavities in primary teeth. It is predictable that the performance will continue to be highly satisfactory over the next 2-3 years.
Rutar
J
J
School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Australia.
McAllan
L
L
Tyas
M J
MJ
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003116:Color; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000145:classification; D018772:Dental Marginal Adaptation; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000145:classification; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008963:Molar; D013499:Surface Properties; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous
D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; C110713:fuji IX