ABSTRACT
AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the marginal adaptation at the tooth-restoration interface at enamel and cementum margins using composite restoration reinforced with novel enamel inserts/biofillers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized class V box-shaped cavities were prepared in 40 extracted maxillary first premolar teeth which were divided randomly into four experimental groups consisting of 10 samples each. Group I: Bulk placement. Groups II: Horizontal incremental technique. Group III: Restoration with precured composite balls (megafillers). Group IV: Restoration with biofillers. All the cavities were restored with visible light-activated direct restorative nanocomposite. The specimens were thermocycled for 24 hours. After thermocycling, the samples were immersed in a 1% methylene blue for 4 hours and subsequently evaluated for microleakage. Microleakage scores (0-4) were obtained from gingival margins of class V restorations and analyzed by statistical analysis. Evaluation of the data was performed by Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Microleakage scores have indicated restorations with biofillers showed best results followed by megafillers, incremental horizontal build-up, and bulk filling. CONCLUSION: Biofillers provide a novel approach in improving microleakage and marginal adaptability of composite resin restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Incorporation of inserts, which are capable of adequate bonding to resin and tooth, may provide improved marginal adaptability and reduce microleakage around restorative margins.
