A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Clinical Performance of Bioactive Restorative Material and Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Cement in Carious Primary Molar Restorations

Aim and objectives: To evaluate the clinical performance (marginal discoloration, surface texture, and retention) of bioactive restorative material (ACTIVA) and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) in carious primary molar restorations at 6 and 12-month intervals.

Materials and methods: The split-mouth randomized controlled trial comprised 31 children aged 5-8 years having contralateral matched pair of carious primary molars with an International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II score 5. Sixty-two teeth were randomly allocated into two groups: group I-ACTIVA (n = 31) and group II-RMGIC (n = 31). After caries excavation, the teeth were restored with the respective materials and evaluated the marginal discoloration, surface texture, and retention after 6 and 12 months using modified USPHS (United States Public Health Service) criteria under the dental operating microscope.

Statistical analysis: Mann-Whitney "U" test was used for intragroup comparison and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for intergroup comparison.

Results: A statistically significant difference was found in the surface texture of ACTIVA and RMGIC restorations at both 6-month (p = 0.002) and 12-month (p = 0.001) intervals, whereas the difference in the marginal discoloration and retention were not significant at both 6-month (p = 0.267 and 0.161, respectively) and 12-month intervals (p = 0.339 and 0.064, respectively).

Conclusion: The surface texture of ACTIVA is found to be superior to RMGIC, whereas marginal discoloration and retention are similar to RMGIC at both 6 and 12-month intervals.

Clinical significance: ACTIVA bioactive restorative material and RMGIC both enhance tooth remineralization with improved adhesion and fluoride release properties, making them valuable choices in various clinical scenarios.

How to cite this article: Bhavana K, Uloopi K, Vinay C, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Clinical Performance of Bioactive Restorative Material and Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Cement in Carious Primary Molar Restorations. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(10):1109-1113.