Critical appraisal: post-op sensitivity with direct composite restorations

Sales of self-etch adhesive systems have grown considerably over the last 10 to 12 years. One of the most important factors contributing to this growth is the perception that self-etch adhesives cause less postoperative sensitivity than etch-and-rinse adhesives. Certainly, there is much anecdotal evidence supporting this perception. But what does the science say? This Critical Appraisal presents evidence from several clinical trials of postoperative sensitivity in posterior composite restorations.