Radiopacity evaluation of different types of resin restorative materials using a digital radiography system

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Radiology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Radiopacity is a critical property for dental restorative materials, enabling radiographic diagnosis.
• Variations in radiopacity among current dental resin composites necessitate comparative evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the radiopacity of 20 contemporary dental resin composites.
• To assess the diagnostic implications of varying radiopacity levels in dental restorations.

Main Methods:

• Twenty dental resin composites were prepared into standardized specimens (10mm diameter, 1mm thickness).
• Digital radiography was employed using phosphor plates adjacent to aluminum step wedges and tooth sections.
• Mean grey values (MGVs) were quantified using ImageJ software, converted to equivalent aluminum (Al) thickness, and statistically analyzed.

Main Results:

• Radiopacity varied significantly, ranging from 1.32 mm Al to 3.41 mm Al.
• Most composites exhibited radiopacity equal to or greater than enamel.
• Linear regression analysis indicated a low correlation between radiopacity and filler content (weight and volume percent).

Conclusions:

• The majority of tested dental resin composites possess adequate radiopacity for effective radiographic interpretation.
• Significant variations in radiopacity among materials may influence clinical diagnostic accuracy.
• Further research into material composition and its effect on radiopacity is warranted.