Evaluation of clinical performance and success of Fuji II and Fuji IX in restoring occlusal caries of primary molars over a one year follow up: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Dental practitioners frequently face a notable challenge in selecting an ideal restorative material. Glass ionomer cement (GIC) has been a frequently used material as a substitute to amalgam in restoring primary dentition.
Aim of the study: To clinically evaluate GC Fuji II LC (Light-Cured, Resin-Reinforced Glass Ionomer Restorative) and GC Fuji IX GP EXTRA (Packable Glass Ionomer) when used to restore occlusal caries in lower second primary molars.
Materials and Methods: Seventy-six molars in 38 children were included in this study. Inclusion criteria included patients; (1) Free from any medical conditions. (2) Aged 5-7 years old.
(3) Reported with bilateral restorable decayed second primary molars with simple occlusal decay. (4) Clinically; no signs of irreversible pulpitis. Split-mouth technique was used and a single operator performed all restorations. Examined restorative materials were randomly allocated to either side of the mouth. Cavities were prepared in the utmost conservative manner. Both Fuji II and Fuji IX were prepared according to manufacturers’ instructions. Clinical assessment was performed after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months according to United States Public Health Services (USPHS) evaluation criteria and rating system. Statistical Analyses included Wilcoxon signed-rank test as well as Friedman’s test followed by Dunn’s test.
Results: Among the treated 38 subjects; there were18 boys (47.4%) and 20 girls (52.6%).
Mean ± standard deviation values for age were 5.7 ± 0.8 years old with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 7 years old. After 12 months, a statistically significant difference was noted between marginal adaptation, anatomic form, secondary caries and marginal discoloration scores in the two materials.
Conclusions: Fuji II and Fuji IX showed comparable marginal adaptation. Fuji II restorations showed better results regarding anatomic form, secondary caries and marginal discoloration when compared to Fuji IX.