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Effect of Rinsing Water Temperature on Microleakage of Dental Composite Restorations: An In-Vitro Study
Farzaneh Shirani1, Niloufar Jafari2, Zahra Alipouriani3
1Dental Materials Research Center, Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Frontiers in Dentistry
|August 2, 2026
Summary
Rinsing dental cavities with warm water (23°C and 45°C) before composite restoration significantly reduces microleakage. Cold water (4°C) rinsing, however, increases microleakage, impacting dental restoration longevity.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Restorative Dentistry
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Microleakage is a critical factor affecting the longevity of dental composite restorations.
- The preparation and bonding procedures, including cavity rinsing, can influence the degree of microleakage.
- Understanding the effect of water temperature during rinsing is essential for optimizing clinical techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of different water temperatures used for rinsing cavities on the microleakage of dental composite restorations.
- To compare the effectiveness of self-etch and total-etch adhesives under varying rinsing conditions.
- To determine the influence of storage duration on microleakage associated with rinsing water temperature.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro study involving 72 extracted premolars with Class V cavities.
- Cavities were rinsed with water at 23°C, 4°C, or 45°C before adhesive application (self-etch or total-etch).
- Specimens underwent thermal cycling, followed by microleakage assessment using optical and electron microscopy after 24 hours or 2 months.
Main Results:
- Rinsing with cold water (4°C) significantly increased microleakage compared to warmer temperatures (23°C and 45°C), irrespective of the bonding system or storage duration.
- Total-etch adhesives showed significantly higher microleakage at gingival margins compared to occlusal margins at 23°C and 45°C, whereas self-etch adhesives did not.
- Warmer water rinsing (23°C and 45°C) demonstrated a reduction in microleakage at the gingival margins when using total-etch adhesives.
Conclusions:
- Rinsing dental cavities with warm water (23°C and 45°C) is an effective strategy to minimize microleakage in composite restorations.
- Cold water rinsing (4°C) should be avoided as it significantly exacerbates microleakage.
- The choice of adhesive system interacts with rinsing temperature, with total-etch systems showing greater sensitivity at the gingival margin.
