Clinical Performance of 3D-Printed Bioactive Resin Restorations Compared with Conventional Composite Restorations

Authors

  • Dr. Misbah Rahman Department of Dental Materials, Islamic International Dental College and Hospital.
  • Imran Khan Swati Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Pakistan.
  • Dr. Nageen Nasir Senior Lecturer, Department of Dental Materials, Islamabad Medical and Dental College.
  • Dr. Sughra Abid Lecturer, Department of Dental Materials, Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar.
  • Dr. Muhammad Bilal Assistant Professor, Department of Dental Materials, University Medical & Dental College, Faisalabad.
  • Dr. Ayousha Iqbal Associate Professor and Head, Department of Dental Materials, Islamabad Medical and Dental College.

Keywords:

3D printing, bioactive resin, dental restorations, resin composite, clinical performance, surface quality

Abstract

Background: Three-dimensional (3D)-printed bioactive resin restorations are emerging as an alternative restorative approach with potential advantages in clinical performance and surface quality.

Objective: To compare the clinical performance of 3D-printed bioactive resin restorations with conventional composite restorations over a 6-month clinical follow-up.

Methodology: This prospective, parallel-group comparative study was conducted in the Department of Operative Dentistry, from Jan 2025 to December 2025. A total of 120 adult patients requiring suitable posterior restorations were enrolled through consecutive sampling, with 60 patients allocated to 3D-printed bioactive resin and 60 to conventional composite restorations. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and during 6-month follow-up, including restoration survival, marginal integrity, postoperative sensitivity, anatomical form, surface quality, secondary caries, fracture, and restoration loss.

Results: Restoration survival was 91.67% in the 3D-printed group compared with 85.00% in the conventional group (p=0.251). Clinically acceptable marginal integrity was observed in 86.67% versus 76.67% (p=0.155), while absence of postoperative sensitivity was recorded in 88.33% versus 78.33% (p=0.130). Acceptable anatomical form was present in 91.67% versus 81.67% (p=0.104). Acceptable surface quality was significantly higher with 3D-printed resin (90.00% vs. 75.00%, p=0.043).

Conclusion: 3D-printed bioactive resin restorations demonstrated favorable short-term clinical performance comparable to conventional composite restorations, with significantly better surface quality.

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Published

2026-11-10

How to Cite

Dr. Misbah Rahman, Imran Khan Swati, Dr. Nageen Nasir, Dr. Sughra Abid, Dr. Muhammad Bilal, & Dr. Ayousha Iqbal. (2026). Clinical Performance of 3D-Printed Bioactive Resin Restorations Compared with Conventional Composite Restorations. International Journal of Pharmacy Research & Technology (IJPRT), 16(2), 7863–7873. Retrieved from https://www.ijprt.org/index.php/pub/article/view/3550

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Research Article