Total Etch versus Self Etch Adhesive; Effect on Post-Operative Sensitivity

Objective: To compare post-operative sensitivity after placement of composite restoration in Class I cavity using total etch adhesive and self-etch adhesive. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Operative Dentistry, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID), Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jul to Dec 2019. Methodology: Total 80 patients were chosen with Class-I cavities present on premolars and molars of both maxillary and mandibular arch. They were divided into two groups. 40 patients each in Group-A (Self etch adhesive) and in Group-B (Total etch adhesive). Composite restorations were sited in both groups and evaluated for post-operative sensitivit y after 24 hours and after one week. Data was recorded by using Visual Analog Score in response to air stimulus. Results: The mean VAS scores for the Self Etch Group, group was lower than the Total Etch group at the 1-day (0.525 and 0.850 respectively), and 1-week (0.050 and 0.10 respectively) evaluation periods with a statistically significant difference after 24 hours only. Conclusion: Significantly less post-operative sensitivity observed with Self Etch adhesive as compared to total etch following 24 hours of restoration placement. Sensitivity faded over the period of one week.