Ionic Liquid-Based Silane for SiO2 Nanoparticles: A Versatile Coupling Agent for Dental Resins.

The current longevity of dental resins intraorally is limited by susceptibility to acidic attacks from bacterial metabolic byproducts and vulnerability to enzymatic or hydrolytic degradation. Here, we demonstrate synthesizing an ionic liquid-based antibiofilm silane effective against Streptococcus mutans, a major caries pathogen. Furthermore, we incorporate this silane into dental resins, creating antibiofilm- and degradation-resistant materials applicable across resin types. FTIR, UV-vis, and NMR spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis of the expected ionic liquid-based silane. The characterization of SiO2 after the silanization indicated the presence of the silane and how it interacted with the oxide. All groups achieved a degree of conversion similar to that found for commercial resin composites immediately and after two months of storage in water. The minimum of 2.5 wt % of silane led to lower softening in solvent than the control group (GCTRL) (p < 0.05). While the flexural strength indicated a lower value from 1 wt % of silane compared to GCTRL (p < 0.05), the ultimate tensile strength did not indicate differences among groups (p > 0.05). There was no difference within groups between the immediate and long-term tests of flexural strength (p > 0.05) or ultimate tensile strength (p > 0.05). The addition of at least 5 wt % of silane reduced the viability of S. mutans compared to GCTRL (p < 0.05). The fluorescence microscopy analysis suggested that the higher the silane concentration, the higher the amount of bacteria with membrane defects. There was no difference among groups in the cytotoxicity test (p > 0.05). Therefore, the developed dental resins displayed biocompatibility, proper degree of conversion, improved resistance against softening in solvent, and stability after 6 months of storage in water. This material could be further developed to produce polymeric antimicrobial layers for different surfaces, supporting various potential avenues in developing novel biomaterials with enhanced therapeutic characteristics using ionic liquid-based materials.

Color discrepancy of single-shade composites at different distances from the interface measured using cell phone images.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of substrate color and interface distance on the color adjustment of 2 single-shade composites, Vittra APS Unique and Charisma Diamond One. Materials and Methods: Dual disc-shaped specimens were created using Vittra APS Unique or Charisma Diamond One as the center composite, surrounded by shaded composites (A1 or A3). Color measurements were taken with a spectrophotometer against a gray background, recording the color coordinates in the CIELAB color space. Illumination with a light-correcting device and image acquisition using a polarizing filter-equipped cell phone were performed on specimens over the same background. Image processing software was used to measure the color coordinates in the center and periphery of the inner composite and in the outer composite. The color data were then converted to CIELAB coordinates and adjusted using data from the spectrophotometer. Color differences (ΔE00) between the center/periphery of single-shade and outer composites were calculated, along with color changes in single-shade composites caused by different outer composites. Color differences for the inner composites surrounded by A1 and A3 were also calculated. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (α = 0.05). Results: The results showed that color discrepancies were lowest near the interface and when the outer composite was whiter (A1). Additionally, Charisma Diamond One exhibited better color adjustment ability than Vittra APS Unique. Conclusions: Color discrepancies between the investigated single-shade composites diminished towards the interface with the surrounding composite, particularly when the latter exhibited a lighter shade.

Developing Bioactive Dental Resins for Restorative Dentistry.

Despite its reputation as the most widely used restorative dental material currently, resin-based materials have acknowledged shortcomings. As most systematic survival studies of resin composites and dental adhesives indicate, secondary caries is the foremost reason for resin-based restoration failure and life span reduction. In subjects with high caries risk, the microbial community dominated by acidogenic and acid-tolerant bacteria triggers acid-induced deterioration of the bonding interface and/or bulk material and mineral loss around the restorations. In addition, resin-based materials undergo biodegradation in the oral cavity. As a result, the past decades have seen exponential growth in developing restorative dental materials for antimicrobial applications addressing secondary caries prevention and progression. Currently, the main challenge of bioactive resin development is the identification of efficient and safe anticaries agents that are detrimental free to final material properties and show satisfactory long-term performance and favorable clinical translation. This review centers on the continuous efforts to formulate novel bioactive resins employing 1 or multiple agents to enhance the antibiofilm efficacy or achieve multiple functionalities, such as remineralization and antimicrobial activity antidegradation. We present a comprehensive synthesis of the constraints and challenges encountered in the formulation process, the clinical performance-related prerequisites, the materials' intended applicability, and the current advancements in clinical implementation. Moreover, we identify crucial vulnerabilities that arise during the development of dental materials, including particle aggregation, alterations in color, susceptibility to hydrolysis, and loss of physicomechanical core properties of the targeted materials.

Cytotoxicity and Microbiological Properties of Copolymers Comprising Quaternary Ammonium Urethane-Dimethacrylates with Bisphenol A Glycerolate Dimethacrylate and Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate.

Using dental composite restorative materials with a copolymeric matrix chemically modified towards bioactive properties can help fight secondary caries. In this study, copolymers of 40 wt.% bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate, 40 wt.% quaternary ammonium urethane-dimethacrylates (QAUDMA-m, where m represents 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 carbon atoms in the N-alkyl substituent), and 20 wt.% triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (BG:QAm:TEGs) were tested for (i) cytotoxicity on the L929 mouse fibroblast cell line; (ii) fungal adhesion, fungal growth inhibition zone, and fungicidal activity against C. albicans; and (iii) bactericidal activity against S. aureus and E. coli. BG:QAm:TEGs had no cytotoxic effects on L929 mouse fibroblasts because the reduction of cell viability was less than 30% compared to the control. BG:QAm:TEGs also showed antifungal activity. The number of fungal colonies on their surfaces depended on the water contact angle (WCA). The higher the WCA, the greater the scale of fungal adhesion. The fungal growth inhibition zone depended on the concentration of QA groups (xQA). The lower the xQA, the lower the inhibition zone. In addition, 25 mg/mL BG:QAm:TEGs suspensions in culture media showed fungicidal and bactericidal effects. In conclusion, BG:QAm:TEGs can be recognized as antimicrobial biomaterials with negligible biological patient risk.

Influence of chlorhexidine, propolis, pulpal pressure simulation, and aging on dentin bond strength.

The present study evaluated the bond strength (µTBS) of dentin treated with chlorhexidine and propolis subjected to simulated pulpal pressure (SPP) and thermocycle aging. One hundred and twenty healthy human molars were sectioned to obtain 2 mm of dentin thickness and were divided into two groups (n = 60): SPP (15 cm H2 O) and no SPP (Control group). Dentin surfaces were conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s and were divided according to the dentin treatment (n = 20): Control; Chlorhexidine gluconate (0.2% for 30 s) and Propolis (aqueous propolis extract for 30 s). Half of the specimens were submitted to 15,000 thermocycle aging (5 ± 2°C and 55 ± 2°C). The samples were sectioned into beams and submitted to µTBS. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA (SPP × Dentin treatment × Thermocycle aging) and the Tukey's tests (p < .001). With regard to the SPP, ANOVA revealed that the Control group (32.98 MPa) had significantly higher values of µTBS when compared to the SPP (29.19 MPa). With regard to Thermocycle aging, no aging (34.05 MPa) had significantly higher values of µTBS when compared to the aging (28.12 MPa). With regard to the dentin treatment, Propolis and Chlorhexidine did not statistically influence the results (p > .05). The SPP and thermocycle aging negatively influenced the bond strength between the dentin and resin; the 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate and aqueous propolis extract solutions did not interfere in the bond strength between the resin and dentin. The use of chlorhexidine and propolis as a dental treatment may not influence the dentin bond strength, but SPP and thermocycle aging may damage the longitudinal dentin bond strength. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Chlorhexidine and propolis as a dental treatment may not influence the dentin bond strength. Simulated pulpal pressure and thermocycle aging may damage the longitudinal dentin bond strength.

Effect of repolishing on the discoloration of indirect composite block, nanohybrid, and microhybrid resin composites.

Purpose: To comparatively assess the color stability of indirect composite block, nanohybrid, and microhybrid resin composites after immersion in red wine and repolishing. Materials and methods: Specimens (2x7x12 mm) were prepared using an indirect composite block (Cerasmart), a nanohybrid (Ceram X), and a microhybrid (Charisma Smart) resin composite. The specimens' color was recorded based on the CIE L*a*b* system in a spectrophotometer (Spectroshade). After recording the initial color, the specimens were immersed in red wine for 3 hours per day for 15 days. The color measurement was done again. The specimens were repolished with a multistep polishing system (SuperSnap). The color was measured for the third time. The color change values (ΔE) were calculated with the L*, a*, and b* coordinates obtained at baseline, after the immersion procedure, and after repolishing. Statistical analyses were performed with one-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc, and paired t-tests (p=0.05). Results: The composite block presented the lowest ΔE value (p <0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the ΔE values of the nanohybrid and microhybrid resin composites. The repolishing promoted a decrease in the color change of all three materials (p<0.05). The ΔE value of the composite block was clinically acceptable after repolishing. Conclusion: The composite block showed higher color stability. The staining resistance of the nanohybrid and microhybrid resin composites was not different. The repolishing decreased the discoloration of all three materials.

A measurement of irradiance of light-curing units in dental offices in three Croatian cities.

Aim To determine irradiance of light-curing units (LCUs) in dental offices in three Croatian cities and to compare irradiance values with the age and model of LCUs. Methods Private and public dental offices in three most prominent cities in Croatia (Rijeka, Split and Zagreb) were included in this study. In total, 195 LCUs were tested, using radiometer Ivoclar Bluephase Meter 2 for irradiance (mW/cm2 ). The minimum acceptable value was set at 400 mW/cm2 . The age, model and difference between declared and measured irradiance of the LCUs were also determined. Of the total of 195 LCUs, 190 (98%) were LED (light-emitting diode) and 5 (2%) were QTH (quartz-tungsten - halogen). Results The mean age of tested LCUs was 4.43±3.4 years; the oldest was in Rijeka, 5.2±3.8 years. The overall mean irradiance for all three cities was 806.4 mW/cm2 (p=0.0004). Of all LCUs, 11.3% were considered clinically unacceptable with irradiance of less than 400 mW/cm2 . Of all tested LCUs 42% (p=0.0005) had a 30% lower value of irradiance than the manufacturer of the LCU declared. In 73% tested LCUs, there was a matching between measured and declared irradiance. The age and model of LCUs had the most significant impact on irradiance. Conclusion The most commonly used LCU included in dental offices was LED. Mean irradiance was good enough to secure adequate polymerization of resin-based materials. Irradiance decreases with usage time of LCU.

Microleakage of a Self-adhesive Composite of Class V Cavities: Effect of Surface Treatment and Thermocycling.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the microleakage of a self-adhesive composite compared to conventional composites in class V cavities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro experimental study, standard class V cavities were prepared in the buccal surface of 204 extracted teeth and randomly divided into six groups for restoration with (A) Vertiseflow (Kerr) self-adhesive composite, (B) acid etching (Kerr) + Vertiseflow, (C) acid etching + Optibond FL (Kerr) + Vertiseflow, (D) Er,Cr:YSGG laser + Vertiseflow, (E) acid etching + Optibond FL + Premise Flowable (Kerr), and (F) acid etching + Optibond FL + Z250 (3M). The teeth in each group were then randomly divided into two subgroups of with and without thermocycling (10,000 cycles between 5°C and 55°C). The microleakage was then determined at the enamel and dentin margins under a stereomicroscope using the dye penetration method. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: No significant difference was noted in occlusal margin microleakage of no thermocycling groups, but acid etching + Vertiseflow showed the highest microleakage. At the gingival margin, the difference between acid etching + bonding agent + Z250 and laser + Vertiseflow was significant (p = 0.004). In thermocycling groups, the difference in the microleakage at the occlusal margin of Vertiseflow with that of acid etching + bonding agent + Premise (p = 0.002), acid etching + bonding agent + Vertiseflow (p = 0.009), and acid etching + bonding agent + Z250 (p = 0.037) groups was significant. The difference in the microleakage at the dentin margin was also significant among the groups (p < 0.05). The highest and the lowest microleakages were noted in laser + Vertiseflow and acid etching + bonding agent + Vertiseflow groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Surface preparation with etching and adhesive application results in lower microleakage in class V cavities. But laser irradiation and the use of self-adhesive composite increase the microleakage. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It seems that self-adhesive composites cannot provide acceptable marginal integrity without any surface treatment.

The effect of dental LED light-curing unit photoactivation mode on 3D surface morphology of dental nanocomposites evaluated by two-dimensional multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two photoactivation modes of dental LED light-curing unit (LCUs) (conventional and "Soft Start" mode) on surface texture parameters of two dental resin-based nanocomposites. LED LCUs were considered as standard light-curing devices in contemporary dental practice. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was applied to investigate surface morphology on 90 × 90 µm2 scanning area through 2D multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis with computational algorithms basis. In order to compare 3D surface roughness at nanometer scale, singularity spectrum f[α] was used which characterize local scale properties of multifractal nature of samples. The results confirmed that larger spectrum width Δα (Δα = αmax - αmin ) of f(α) is associated with non-uniform surface morphology. Moreover, materials whose polymerization was photoactivated by the "soft start" polymerization mode, showed better quality of the surface microstructure with lower values of AFM surface texture parameters.

Color changes caused by reduction on the dentin shade composite thickness

Resumo Este estudo objetivou determinar o limiar de redução na espessura do compósito de cor da dentina necessário para resultar em mudanças de cor perceptíveis e aceitáveis em restaurações simuladas. Três sistemas de compósitos (Charisma Diamond, IPS Empress Direct e Filtek Z350 XT) foram avaliados utilizando corpos-de-prova cilíndricos construídos com cores de dentina e esmalte. A opacidade dos compósitos foi avaliada usando cilindros de 1,0 mm de espessura sobre fundo preto e branco. Uma cor inicial padrão foi estabelecida para cada sistema pela combinação de esmalte de 1,0 mm de espessura com 3,0 mm de cilindros de resina na cor de dentina sobre um fundo escuro (n = 9). Em seguida, foram calculadas as alterações de cor (∆E00) causadas por reduções sequenciais de 0,1 mm nos cilindros de resina na cor de dentina. Mudanças de opacidade em cilindros na cor de dentina e cilindros combinados de esmalte e dentina foram também avaliadas após cada redução de espessura. Regressão polinomial foi realizada com médias de ∆E00 em função da espessura dos cilindros na cor de dentina; e os limiares de aceitabilidade (∆E00 = 1,77) e perceptibilidade (∆E00 = 0,81) foram calculados. Regressões lineares também foram realizadas para ∆E00 em função da opacidade dos cilindros na cor de dentina e do par combinado de cilindros de esmalte-dentina. Com exceção da Charisma, os compósitos de esmalte apresentaram menor opacidade do que os de dentina. Alterações de cor perceptíveis e aceitáveis foram observadas quando os cilindros na cor de dentina foram mais finos que 2,0-2,4 mm e 1,1-1,4 mm, respectivamente. Nenhuma diferença entre os sistemas compostos foi observada. Em conclusão, reduções no compósito de dentina menor que 0,6 mm não produziu mudanças de cor perceptíveis, e mudanças de cor clinicamente significantes apenas foram observadas com reduções maiores que 1,6 mm.

Abstract This study determined the reduction threshold in thickness of the dentin shade composite necessary to result in perceptible and acceptable color changes on simulated restorations. Three composite systems (Charisma Diamond, IPS Empress Direct, and Filtek Z350 XT) were evaluated using cylinder-shaped specimens built-up with dentin and enamel shades. The opacity of the composites was assessed using 1.0 mm thick specimens over black and white backgrounds. A baseline color was established for each system by combining 1.0 mm thick enamel shade with 3.0 mm of dentin shade cylinders over a dark background (n = 9). Then, the color changes (∆E00) caused by sequential 0.1 mm reductions on dentin shade cylinders were calculated. Opacity changes on dentin shade cylinders and combined enamel-dentin pair cylinders were also assessed after each thickness reduction. Polynomial regression was performed with averages of ∆E00 as a function of thickness of dentin shade cylinders; and acceptability (∆E = 1.77) and perceptibility (∆E = 0.81) thresholds were calculated. Linear regressions were also performed for ∆E00 as function of opacity of dentin shade cylinders and combined enamel-dentin pair of cylinders. Except for Charisma, enamel shades presented the lowest opacity than dentin one. Perceptible and acceptable color changes were observed for dentin shade cylinders thinner than 2.0-2.4 mm and 1.1-1.4 mm, respectively, were used. No difference among the composite systems was observed. In conclusion, reductions on dentin shade composite lower than 0.6-mm did not yield perceptible color changes, and clinically significant color changes only were observed within reductions higher than 1.6-mm.

Push-out bond strength of different intracanal posts in the anterior primary teeth according to root canal filling materials.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of root canal filling on the bond strength of three intracanal posts in the primary incisors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty primary incisors were prepared and then divided into two groups (n = 30). The first group canals obturated with zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) and Group 2 canals obturated with Metapex. Further, the two group categories were divided into three subgroups (n = 10): (1) short composite post (SCP), (2) glass fiber posts (GFPs) cemented with flowable composite, and (3) GFP with glass ionomer cement (GFP + GIC). The push-out test was performed with a universal testing machine. The results were statistically analyzed with two-way analysis of variance.(α = 0.05). RESULTS: The mean bond strength of the first group obturated with ZOE was lower than that of the second group obturated with Metapex (P = 0.046). Moreover, from a statistical point of view, in all three subgroups, the correlation of mean push-out bond strength between SCP and GFP coated with flowable composite was not substantial at P = 0.97. However, the mean bond strength of SCP was in fact significantly greater than that of the GFP coated with GIC since P = 0.034. CONCLUSION: Using ZOE resulted in the significant reduction of the mean bond strength of the intracanal posts when utilized in the primary anterior teeth. Likewise, SCP and GFP coated with flowable composite showed higher push-out bond strengths for restoring primary anterior teeth.

Effect of Laser-assisted and Conventional In-office Bleaching on Monomer Release from Microhybrid and Nanohybrid Composite.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bleaching might affect structural properties of composite materials, and lead to monomer release. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Laser-assisted and conventional in-office bleaching on the release of BIS-GMA, TEGDMA, and UDMA monomers from a nanohybrid and a microhybrid BIS-GMA based composite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 32 samples of each composite, were divided into 4 subgroups; subgroup 1: Conventional in-office bleaching (CIB) with the Opalescence Boost PF 38% gel, subgroup 2: Laser-assisted bleaching (LBO) with the Opalescence Boost PF 38% gel, subgroup 3: Laser-assisted bleaching (LBH) with the JW Power bleaching gel, subgroup 4: (CO) control without bleaching. All the samples were immersed in tubes of 2cc Ethanol 75% medium. The released monomers were analyzed using the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method 24 h, 7, and 28 days. Data's were analyzed by Univariate Analysis of Variance test followed by Tukeys HSD. RESULTS: The amount of TEGDMA monomer released was not significant. However, nanohybrid composites showed significantly more monomer release than microhybrid composites (P < 0.05). For UDMA the interaction was significant only after 1 week. In microhybrid composites, the CO subgroup showed more monomer release than LBH and LBO. In nanohybrid composites, LBH showed more monomer release than CIB and CO subgroups. For BIS-GMA monomers the interaction was significant at all time periods and the LBH subgroup of nanohybrid composite had significantly more BIS_GMA release in comparison to other subgroups. CONCLUSION: Bleaching by laser with JW Power Bleaching gel led to more monomer release in nanohybrid composite.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Postoperative Sensitivity with Warm and Room Temperature Composite.

Physical properties of composite improve when it is preheated prior to polymerization. However, postoperative sensitivity may be considered a potential complication. A review of the literature revealed no reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of postoperative sensitivity when using preheated composite resin. The objective of the study was to determine if preheating composite leads to changes in postoperative sensitivity in a parallel RCT. In total, 120 eligible, consenting adults were recruited in private dental practice and randomized into 2 groups of 60 patients. One group had room temperature composite restorations placed and the second had composite preheated to 39°C. The primary outcome was sensitivity after 24 h by the visual analog scale (VAS), recorded blind by patients. Secondary outcomes were VAS scores recorded over a month. Blind statistical analysis used the Mann-Whitney U test to compare the 24-h VAS score between groups and repeated-measures analysis of variance to assess the change over time. Potential confounders were tested using regression models. A total of 115 patients completed the trial: 57 in the heated composite group and 58 in the room temperature group. Analysis of 24-h VAS scores found no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups ( P = 0.162). Examining the potential confounders confirmed the nonsignificant difference between heated and room temperature groups on the 24-h VAS score, after controlling teeth type and preoperative pulp test (effect size = 0.173, P = 0.317). Analysis of the secondary outcomes found significant changes (within-subject effect) in VAS scores over the review period ( F statistic = 4.7, P = 0.002) but not a significant (between-subject effect) difference between heated and room temperature groups over time (effect size = 0.102, P = 0.197). There was a significant correlation between preoperative VAS score and postoperative VAS score ( P < 0.001). For the restorations in this study, there was no detectable difference in postoperative VAS score between preheated and room temperature composite. Postoperative sensitivity decreased throughout the first month. Postoperative sensitivity was correlated to preoperative sensitivity (ISRCTN 76727312). Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study can be used by clinicians when considering the advantages and disadvantages of preheated composite. The study found no evidence of any change in postoperative sensitivity when using preheated composite. Since preheated composite has superior physical properties, its use for routine care can be considered good practice.

Abordaje conservador y mínimamente invasivo de la Hipomineralización Molar-Incisivo (HMI) -Relato de casos clínicos / Minimally invasive treatment for esthetic management of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) -A case report

La Hipomineralización Molar-Incisivo (HMI) es un defecto de esmalte de origen sistèmico que afecta uno o varios molares permanentes, asociado en algunos casos a los incisivos permanentes. Defectos de esmalte, como la HMI pueden influenciar negativamente la calidad de vida, percepción estètica y autoestima de niños y adolescentes. Las opciones de tratamiento para este tipo de alteración, incluye desde medidas preventivas y procedimientos restauradores hasta la extracción dental. Factores como la edad y expectativas del paciente, severidad de la alteración y materiales deben ser considerados en el plan de tratamiento del paciente con HMI. La utilización de resinas compuestas para la restauración de molares e incisivos ha mostrado buenos resultados relacionados a la durabilidad y estètica. Este artículo presenta dos casos clínicos sobre el abordaje de la HMI en dientes anteriores, realizando preparos cavitários conservadores por medio de puntas ultrasónicas adaptadas a un sistema de ultrasonido y restauración con resina compuesta, obteniendo resultados estéticos favorables con un año de acompañamiento.

Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative developmental enamel defect that affects one to four permanent first molars, with or without involvement of permanent incisors. Enamel defects may produce many symptoms that have physical, social and psychological effects and influence day-to-day living or quality of life. The available treatment modalities for teeth with MIH are extensive, ranging from prevention, restoration, to extraction. Factors such as age, patient expectations, severity of the lesion and materials should be considered in the treatment of the patient with MIH. Restoration with composite resin is an alternative choice for posterior and anterior MIH defective teeth and its use has been show acceptable results. This article describes two clinical cases involving pediatric patients with MIH whose procedure of cavity preparation was based on the use of CVD ultrasound diamond tips and restored using composite resin obtaining favorable esthetics results after a 1 year follow-up.

A study of composite restorations as a tool in forensic identification.

INTRODUCTION: Comparing ante-mortem and post-mortem dental data is a principal method of identification in forensic odontology. Radiographic images of amalgam have been used in dental forensics for identification due to their unique appearance. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate whether radio-opaque composite restorations have a potential for identification in forensic odontology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty typodont mandibular first molar teeth were prepared with Class-II (proximo-occlusal) cavities and restored with a radio-opaque composite (Tetric N-Ceram). Two sets of standardized radiographs were taken from the 30 teeth, keeping the radiological parameters constant. One set of these 30 radiographs was named as SET 1. Ten randomly chosen radiographs from the other set and two other radiographs of Class-II composite restorations in typodont teeth constituted SET 2. Thirty dentally trained examiners were asked to match the 12 radiographic images of SET 2 with those of SET 1. RESULTS: The results show that 15 examiners were able to correctly match all the 12 images. Statistical analysis was done using kappa statistical test. CONCLUSION: This study shows that, if the post-mortem radiographs are accurate duplicates of ante-mortem radiographs of composite restorations, then the shape of the composite restoration is unique and can be used for identification.