Use of rubber dam versus cotton roll isolation on composite resin restorations’ survival in primary molars: 2-year results from a non-inferiority clinical trial
Authors: Olegário Isabel C. , Moro Bruna L. P. , Tedesco Tamara K. , Freitas Raiza D. , Pássaro Ana Laura , Garbim Jonathan Rafael , Oliveira Rodolfo , Mendes Fausto M. ,   CARDEC 03 collaborative group, Serra Annelry Costa , Silva Antonio Carlos Lopes , de Picoli Acosta Carolina , Laux Caroline Mariano , Saihara Cíntia Saori , Maia Haline Cunha Medeiros , Olegário Isabel Cristina , de Almeida Isabella Ronqui , Vargas Jhandira Daibelis Yampa , Imparato José Carlos P. , Freitas Julia Gomes , De Natal Karina Haibara , Ekstrand Kim Rud , Pontes Laura Regina Antunes , Bifulco Mariana , Braga Mariana Minatel , Araújo Mariana Pinheiro , do Vale Mayume Amorim , Samuel Renata Marques , Baronti Rita , Cesar Simone , Lenzi Tathiane Larissa , Novaes Tatiane Fernandes , Gimenez Thais , Signori Cacia , Cenci Maximiliano Sérgio , Raggio Daniela Prócida 
Published: October 2022

Background

This non-inferiority randomised clinical trial aimed to evaluate the survival of direct bulk fill composite resin restorations in primary molars using different methods of moisture control: rubber dam isolation (RDI—local anaesthesia and rubber dam) and cotton roll isolation (CRI—cotton roll and saliva ejector). Secondary outcomes included baseline and 2-year incremental cost, self-reported child’s pain scores and patient behaviour during the restorative procedure.

Methods

A total of 174 molars (93 children) with dentine caries lesions were randomly allocated to study groups (RDI or CRI) and restored with bulk fill composite resin by trained operators. Two blinded examiners assessed the restorations for up to 24 months. Wong-baker faces and Frankl's behaviour rating scales were used for accessing the child's pain and behaviour, respectively. The primary outcome (restoration survival) was analysed using the two-sample non-inferiority test for survival data using Cox Regression (non-inferiority/alternative hypothesis HR > 0.85; CI = 90%). Bootstrap Linear regression was used for cost analysis and logistic regression for pain and behaviour analysis (α = 5%).

Results

After 2-years, 157 restorations were evaluated (drop-out = 9.7%). The survival rate was RDI = 60.4% and CRI = 54.3%. The non-inferiority hypothesis was accepted by the Cox Regression analysis (HR = 1.33; 90% CI 0.88–1.99; p = 0.036). RDI was 53% more expensive when compared to the CRI group. No differences were found between the groups regarding pain (p = 0.073) and behaviour (p = 0.788).

Conclusion

Cotton roll isolation proved to be non-inferior when compared to rubber dam for composite restorations longevity in primary molars. Furthermore, the latest presented the disadvantage of higher cost and longer procedure time.

Clinical Significance The moisture control method does not influence the longevity of composite restorations in primary molars. Cotton roll isolation proved to be non-inferior to rubber dam isolation and is a viable option for restoring primary molars.

Clinical trial registration registered NCT03733522 on 07/11/2018. The present trial was nested within another clinical trial, the CARies DEtection in Children (CARDEC-03-NCT03520309).