[Experimental study of compactness of occlusal composite restorations as compared to occlusal metal inlays]

In this study class I cavities were prepared in extracted human molar teeth. The cavities were treated with composite restorations or metal inlay restorations. After thermal and occlusal stress, the marginal seal was tested using a dye-penetration-test. The results were evaluated as follows: Grade 0-Grade 1 = sealed or almost sealed restoration; Grade 2-Grade 3 = evident or clearly distinct loss of marginal adaptation. The study showed following results: 1 Composite restorations (Heliomolar) proved seven out of ten cases to be sealed or almost sealed (Grade 0 or Grade 1). Three out of ten cases showed a dye penetration at Grade 3. 2 Metal inlays (Degulor M) that were cemented with zinc phosphate cement, were rated in none of the cases as sealed. They showed in nine out of ten cases a dye penetration at Grade 2 or 3. With dye-penetration-tests conclusions can be made regarding the marginal seal of restorations. However, clinical application of a restorative material should not be made dependent on this criteria alone.