Fluid flow after resin-composite restoration in extracted carious teeth

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Dental caries necessitates tooth restoration, often using resin composite materials.
• The use of glass-ionomer cement as a lining material beneath resin composites is a common clinical practice.
• Understanding fluid flow in dentin is crucial for predicting restoration longevity and tooth vitality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of glass-ionomer cement lining on fluid flow in dentin after resin composite restoration of carious teeth.
• To compare fluid flow in restored carious teeth versus non-carious teeth.
• To analyze dentin morphology and interface characteristics using advanced microscopy.

Main Methods:

• Extracted third molars were prepared with carious lesions or artificial cavities.
• Teeth were restored with resin composite using a total-etch adhesive, with or without glass-ionomer cement lining.
• Fluid flow was measured for up to one month post-restoration.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy were employed for analysis.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in fluid flow were detected between restorations with or without glass-ionomer cement lining.
• Fluid flow did not significantly differ between restored carious and non-carious teeth.
• SEM revealed that dentinal tubules in acid-etched, caries-affected dentin were predominantly occluded, with some patent tubules observed.

Conclusions:

• Glass-ionomer cement lining does not significantly alter dentin fluid flow in resin composite restorations.
• The presence of caries and the restorative procedure minimally impacted fluid flow dynamics.
• Dentinal tubule occlusion remains a key factor in managing fluid flow in restored carious dentin.