Bacterial Leakage Assessment for Different Types of Resin-Based Dental Restorations Applied Using Various Placement Methods

Introduction: Although composite resins have improved greatly since their introduction, microleakage is one of the most frequently encountered problems. This study compared the effects of different monomer systems and layering techniques on the bacterial leakage of Cl I composite resin restorations. Methods: Eighty-two sound human third molars were used. The teeth were randomly divided into six groups of 12 teeth each and two positive and negative control groups of five teeth. Class I cavities, measuring 4×4×2 mm, were prepared. The first three groups were filled with a silorane-based composite (Filtek P90) using three different methods of filling (bulk, incremental and snowplow) and the remaining three groups were filled with a methacrylate-based composite (Clearfil AP-X) using the same techniques. The specimens were stored for 24 hours at 37°C and then thermocycled up to 1000 cycles. The bacterial leakage of the specimens was assessed in a microbiological laboratory and statistical analyses of data were performed by Fisher’s exact and chi-squared tests (P0.05). Conclusion: Leakage occurred similarly in both silorane- and methacrylate-based composite resins and three filling techniques.