No overall effect was revealed in the meta-analyses , meaning that no influence of the  ER or SE strategy on POS .
SIGNIFICANCE The type of adhesive strategy ( ER or SE ) for posterior resin composite restorations does not influence the risk and intensity of POS .
OBJECTIVES A systematic review and meta- analysis were performed on the risk and intensity of postoperative sensitivity ( POS ) in posterior resin composite restorations bonded with self-etch ( SE ) and etch- and -rinse ( ER ) adhesives .
Total-etch versus self-etch adhesive: effect on postoperative sensitivity.
BACKGROUND Self-etching adhesives are believed to prevent postoperative sensitivity when used under posterior resin-based composite restorations . The authors tested a twofold hypothesis : a self-etch , or SE , adhesive would result in less postoperative sensitivity than a total-etch , or TE , adhesive ; an SE adhesive would result in poorer enamel marginal integrity than a TE adhesive . METHODS Patients were selected on the basis of requiring Class I and II restorations in molars and premolars . The authors placed 30 restorations with the SE material ( Clearfil SE Bond , Kuraray America , New York ) and 36 restorations with Prime & Bond NT ( Dentsply Caulk , Milford , Del. ) , which uses 34 percent phosphoric acid to etch enamel and dentin simultaneously . Preparations were of st and ard design , with all margins in enamel without beveling . Upon rubber dam isolation , the authors conditioned the enamel and dentin walls with the self-etching primer ( for Clearfil SE Bond ) or etched with the proprietary 34 percent phosphoric acid ( for Prime & Bond NT ) , followed by application of the corresponding dentin adhesive . Teeth were restored with the proprietary hybrid resin-based composite indicated for posterior restorations : Clearfil AP-X for Clearfil SE Bond or Esthet-X Micro Matrix Restorative for Prime & Bond NT . The restored teeth were evaluated preoperatively and at two weeks , eight weeks and six months postoperatively for sensitivity to cold ( ice ) , air and masticatory forces , as well as for marginal discoloration . RESULTS Analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences in postoperative sensitivity between the SE and TE material s at any recall time . Marginal discoloration was rated as " absent " for all restorations at six months . Only one tooth displayed sensitivity to occlusal forces at six months . CONCLUSION The SE adhesive did not differ from the TE adhesive in regard to sensitivity and marginal discoloration . CLINICAL IMPLICATION S Postoperative sensitivity may depend on the restorative technique rather than on the type of dentin adhesive used
No overall effect was revealed in the meta-analyses , meaning that no influence of the  ER or SE strategy on POS .
SIGNIFICANCE The type of adhesive strategy ( ER or SE ) for posterior resin composite restorations does not influence the risk and intensity of POS .
OBJECTIVES A systematic review and meta- analysis were performed on the risk and intensity of postoperative sensitivity ( POS ) in posterior resin composite restorations bonded with self-etch ( SE ) and etch- and -rinse ( ER ) adhesives .