Interfacial Evaluation of CAD/CAM Resin Inlays on the Cavity Floor Using Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) resin nanoceramics offer advanced restorative solutions.
• Optimizing the bond between these restorations and tooth structure is crucial for longevity.
• Interfacial adaptation is a key factor influencing the success of indirect dental restorations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of different luting materials on the interfacial adaptation of CAD/CAM resin nanoceramic inlays.
• To determine if applying a universal dentin adhesive before cementation impacts interfacial adaptation.
• To compare the adaptation at the inlay-dentin interface versus the inlay-cement interface.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-four class I cavities were prepared in extracted human molars.
• CAD/CAM resin nanoceramic inlays were fabricated using Lava Ultimate blocks.
• Inlays were cemented using various self-adhesive cements, with and without prior application of a universal dentin adhesive.
• Interfacial adaptation was assessed using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) after thermocycling.

Main Results:

• Luting material significantly influenced interfacial adaptation (p<0.05).
• Pre-application of a universal dentin adhesive improved interfacial adaptation in certain subgroups (p<0.05).
• No significant difference in interfacial adaptation was observed between inlay-side and dentin-side interfaces (p>0.05).

Conclusions:

• Interfacial adaptation of resin nanoceramic inlays is dependent on the chosen luting material.
• Using a universal dentin adhesive prior to self-adhesive cementation can enhance interfacial adaptation for some materials.
• The findings support the use of universal adhesives to optimize the cementation of CAD/CAM resin nanoceramic restorations.