An influence of preheating composites on microleakage- An invitro study

Abstract

Resin composites have become one of the widely used restorative materials in the field of dentistry. Resin composite Pre-heating is a recent innovative method that is clinically beneficial by improving handling and marginal adaptation of the resin to the tooth. The study aims to determine the effect of temperature on the degree of microleakage in resin composite restorations. In the present study, Class 1 cavity was prepared in 30 extracted non-carious human premolars and divided into two groups. Group A (n=15) - filled with nano-hybrid resin composite (3M™ Filtek™ Z350 XT Universal Composite) at room temperature. Group B (n=15) - filled with the same resin preheated and then checked for micro-leakage under SEM. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the mean Marginal Leakage scores between the 2 groups. There was a statistically significant difference in the micro-leakage score between group A and group B. Group B showed minimal or no micro-leakage in comparison to Group A. Preheating the resin composite has better adaptability to the walls thus reducing micro-leakage and postoperative sensitivity.