Influence of curing methods and materials on the marginal seal of class V composite restorations in vitro

The study tests the hypothesis that soft-start irradiation improves, whereas, high intensity irradiation compromises the margin quality and marginal seal of Class V resin based composite [RBC] restorations. Box-shaped Class V cavities were prepared in extracted, human third molars with cervical margins located apical to the CEJ. Cavities were restored using a multi-step bonding agent (Optibond FL, Kerr), a thin layer of flowable resin composite and two increments of fine hybrid resin composite (Filtek Flow/Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE; Revolution f2/Herculite XRV, Kerr). Light irradiation was performed using either the standard (40 seconds) or the soft-start mode (40 seconds with exponential increase) of a quartz tungsten halogen or an LED curing light (Elipar Trilight, Elipar Freelight, 3M ESPE); for high intensity irradiation, a Plasma Are curing unit was used with three irradiations of three seconds (Apollo 95E, DMDS). After 30 days of water storage and thermal cycling (n = 2500, 5-55 degrees C), margin quality was assessed in the SEM using the replica technique and marginal seal was evaluated using dye penetration (AgNO3 50%). Few differences were observed between the light curing protocols. However, less leakage was observed in the case of the lower shrinking RBC Filtek Z250.