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Translucency and Radiopacity of Dental Resin Composites - Is There a Direct Relation?
Lpl Rosado1, E A Münchow2, Els de Oliveira3
1Lucas P Lopes Rosado, DDS, MSc, PhD researcher, Department of Oral Diagnosis, Division of Oral Radiology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
Operative Dentistry
|April 20, 2023
Summary
This study found no correlation between the translucency and radiopacity of dental resin composites. Different shades and types of composites varied in both properties, with some exceeding human enamel radiopacity.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Research
- Restorative Dentistry
Background:
- Resin composites are widely used in dental restorations.
- Understanding their optical and radiographic properties is crucial for clinical success.
- Variations in translucency and radiopacity can affect esthetics and diagnostic imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate the degree of translucency with the radiopacity of various resin composites.
- To compare these properties against human dentin and enamel.
- To evaluate different shades and types (conventional, bulk-fill) of resin composites.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four resin composites were tested for translucency using a digital spectrophotometer and CIEL*a*b* color system.
- Radiopacity was measured using a photostimulable phosphor plate system (in mmAl).
- Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Spearman correlation tests.
Main Results:
- Translucent shades and bulk-fill composites generally exhibited higher translucency.
- "Dentin" shades showed translucency similar to human dentin.
- Most composites met or exceeded human enamel radiopacity, with one exception.
Conclusions:
- Resin composites demonstrate significant variability in translucency and radiopacity.
- No direct positive relationship was found between translucency and radiopacity.
- Clinical selection should consider these distinct properties independently.
