Clinical time and postoperative sensitivity after use of bulk-fill (syringe and capsule) vs. incremental filling composites: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract The objectives of this double-blind randomized clinical trial were to compare (a) the clinical times and (b) the occurrence and severity of postoperative sensitivity, of posterior restoration that used a universal adhesive, in a self-etch or selective enamel-etching technique, along with incremental or bulk-fill composites (presented in syringes or capsules). A total of 295 posterior restorations were placed according to the following groups: SETB – self-etch/bulk-fill in syringe; SETC – self-etch/bulk-fill in capsules; SETI – self-etch/incremental; SEEB – selective enamel-etching/bulk-fill in syringe; SEEC – selective enamel-etching/bulk-fill in capsules; and SEEI – selective enamel-etching/incremental. Clinical time was assessed by a reason (s/mm3) between the total volume of resin inserted and the total time required to perform the restorations. Postoperative sensitivity was evaluated using two scales (Numeric Rating Scale and Visual Analogue Scale). Mean clinical time results, analyzed by Wald’s Chi-square, showed significant statistical differences among all groups (p