Deep margin elevation in class II cavities: A comparative evaluation of microleakage and interface integrity using...

Area of Science:

• Restorative Dentistry
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Deep margin elevation is crucial for restoring class II cavities with subgingival margins.
• Evaluating base materials for deep margin elevation is essential for restoration longevity.
• Microleakage and interface integrity are key indicators of restoration success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare microleakage between gingival seat and base materials.
• To assess interface integrity between base materials and overlying composite.
• To evaluate deep margin elevation in class II cavities using different base materials.

Main Methods:

• Class II cavities with subgingival margins were prepared in 30 molars.
• Three groups were used for deep margin elevation: flowable composite, glass ionomer cement (GIC), and GIC with nanohydroxyapatite (GIC n-HAp).
• Restorations were subjected to thermocycling, and microleakage and interface integrity were assessed using confocal laser microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively.

Main Results:

• GIC n-HAp demonstrated significantly lower microleakage at the gingival seat-base material interface compared to flowable composite and GIC.
• Flowable composite and GIC exhibited superior interface integrity with the overlying bulk-fill composite compared to GIC n-HAp.
• The addition of nanohydroxyapatite to GIC improved its sealing ability at the dentin-base material interface.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating nanohydroxyapatite into GIC effectively reduces microleakage in deep margin elevation.
• The interface integrity between GIC n-HAp and overlying composite requires further investigation and potential improvement.
• Material selection for deep margin elevation should consider both microleakage and interface integrity for optimal clinical outcomes.