Evaluation of marginal leakage of bulk fill flowable composite resin filling with different curing time using micro-computed tomography technology

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate marginal leakage of bulk fill flowable composite resin filling with different curing time by using microcomputed tomography technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 previously extracted human molars were randomly divided into 6 groups based upon restorative system and different curing time. Class II cavities (vertical slot cavities) were prepared. An individual metallic matrix was used to build up the proximal wall. The SonicFill or SureFil SDR flow was inserted into the preparation by using 1 bulk increment, followed by light polymerization for different curing times. The different exposure times were 20, 40, and 60 seconds. All specimens were submitted to 5,000 thermal cycles for artificial aging. Micro-CT scanning was performed by using SkyScan 1272. One evaluator assessed microleakage of silver nitrated solution at the resin-dentin interface. The 3D image of each leakage around the restoration was reconstructed with CT-Analyser V.1.14.4. The leakage was analyzed with the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the light curing times, but no significant differences were found between the bulk fill composite resins. Increasing in the photoactivation time resulted in greater microleakage in all the experimental groups. Those subjected to 60 seconds of light curing showed higher microleakage means than those exposed for 20 seconds and 40 seconds. CONCLUSION: Increasing the photoactivation time is factor that may increase marginal microlekage of the bulk fill composite resins. Further, micro-CT can nondestructively detect leakage around the resin composite restoration in three dimensions.