Microleakage reduction from newer esthetic restorative materials in permanent molars

Through use of new technologies, such as air-abrasive devices, caries detector dyes, modern technology can increase the speed, comfort and success of dental restorations. However the issue of marginal adaptation has been an ongoing technical problem. Today with the more frequent use of posterior composite resins, poor marginal adaptation of resin is still the major cause of failure of the restoration. Material contraction from polymerization and possibly inappropriate preparation design are key factors in the longevity of the restorations. This study attempts to determine the more effective material and technique for reducing microleakage in composite restorations. An in vitro study using three hybrid composite resins was done to evaluate marginal microleakage. Extracted molars were chosen and evaluated for caries through the use of caries detector dye. Using air-abrasion, caries were removed and minimal preparations were done. The samples were divided into two groups. First group was restored with Herculite XRV and Heliomolar paste composites resins. The second group was restored with Revolution flowable composite resin. Also Opti-bond and Fortify were used as a bonding agent and surface penetrating sealant respectively. The teeth were properly finished, thermocycled and evaluated for leakage using 2% basic fuschin detector dye. All data were subjected to the nonparametric Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test. The results revealed that Herculite XRV and Heliomolar paste composites had significantly higher microleakage formation (P < 0.03), and also they presented higher void formation (P < 0.0001) than Revolution flowable composite resin.