Micro-CT evaluation of internal adaptation in resin fillings with different dentin adhesives

OBJECTIVES The purpose of present study was to evaluate the internal adaptation of composite restorations using different adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS Typical class I cavities were prepared in 32 human third molars. The teeth were divided into the following four groups: 3-step etch-and-rinse, 2-step etch-and-rinse, 2-step self-etch and 1-step self-etch system were used. After the dentin adhesives were applied, composite resins were filled and light-cured in two layers. Then, silver nitrate solution was infiltrated, and all of the samples were scanned by micro-CT before and after thermo-mechanical load cycling. For each image, the length to which silver nitrate infiltrated, as a percentage of the whole pulpal floor length, was calculated (%SP). To evaluate the internal adaptation using conventional method, the samples were cut into 3 pieces by two sectioning at an interval of 1 mm in the middle of the cavity and they were dyed with Rhodamine-B. The cross sections of the specimens were examined by stereomicroscope. The lengths of the parts where actual leakage was shown were measured and calculated as a percentage of real leakage (%RP). The values for %SP and %RP were compared. RESULTS After thermo-mechanical loading, all specimens showed significantly increased %SP compared to before thermo-mechanical loading and 1-step self-etch system had the highest %SP (p < 0.05). There was a tendency for %SP and %RP to show similar microleakage percentage depending on its sectioning. CONCLUSIONS After thermo-mechanical load cycling, there were differences in internal adaptation among the groups using different adhesive systems.