Comparison of Postoperative Sensitivity Following Bulk-Fill and Conventional Incremental Composite Restorations: A Randomized Controlled Trial at Tertiary Care Hospital of Peshawar

When a dentist fills a cavity, regular filling material shrinks as it hardens and cannot be penetrated deeply by the curing light, forcing dentists to painstakingly apply it in tiny 2 mm layers to prevent it from pulling away from the tooth walls and creating gaps for bacteria. To solve this, advanced "bulk-fill" composites were created; they are more see-through to let light reach the very bottom and contain flexible components that absorb their own shrinkage stress. This allows dentists to safely fill a deep 4 to 5 mm cavity all at once, saving significant time while still ensuring a tight, bacteria-proof seal.

Inclusion Criteria Age of patient should range from 18-40 years. Teeth with class I carious lesion in maxillary and mandibular 1st and 2nd molar is included. The depth of cavity should be 4mm (with no sensitivity) Pulpal and periapical pathology should be absent confirmed through radiograph and clinical tests \- Exclusion Criteria: * The patient must not have any of the following Irreversible pulpitis Necrotic pulp Previous restoration in tooth Periodontically compromised tooth Painkiller history for past 1-2 days Not undergone crown cutting Bruxism or clenching habits Cracked tooth syndrome Pre-existing hypersensitivity Occlusal trauma