In vitro Evaluation and Comparison of Microleakage of Two Restorative Composite Resins in Class II Situations using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

Abstract

The placement of composite in teeth is not an easy task and it poses many challenges. Microleakage is one of the factors that affects the success of any composite restoration. It influences the longevity of dental restorations. The present study was aimed to evaluate and compare microleakage of two restorative composites resins in class II cavities using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). This was an in vitro study, which included 20 permanent mandibular first molar. On each tooth, 40 class II cavities were prepared with a carbide bur. The teeth were then randomly divided into two groups of 10 each. Group I included teeth in which SonicFill Bulk Fill composite was used. Group II included teeth in which Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill composite was used. The microleakage was measured using confocal microscopy at 10* magnification in the fluorescent mode by a scoring system. Estimation was done at cervical and occlusal levels, wherein group I included 10 teeth which were restored with SonicFill Bulk Fill composite and group II included 10 teeth which were restored with Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill composite. Microleakage was quantified on scoring basis, which was consecutively based on the dye penetration at different levels. Data thus obtained statistically revealed that microleakage was comparatively more in group II as compared with group I. In addition, it was somewhat similar on both cervical as well as occlusal regions. The difference was significant (p = 0.05). Comparison was also done at cervical and occlusal levels using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, which showed significant levels of differences (p > 0.05). There is more microleakage in Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill composite as compared with SonicFill Bulk Fill composite. No material seems to totally eliminate microleakage in class II situations with gingival margin ended in dentine. However, CLSM is a useful tool in microleakage evaluation that could be used successfully to estimate the severity of microbial penetrations and material of choice as well.