Ten-month In Vitro Study of Marginal Adaptation and Micropermeability in Class II Restorations Made with Matrix-modified Composites

Abstract

The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the marginal adaptation and micropermeability of class II restorations with a gingival wall, located 1 mm below the enamel-cementum junction, restored with two conventional dimethacrylate composites (Filtek P60 and Filtek Ultimate), and two innovative composites with a modified polymer matrix (Venus Diamond and Kalore) over ten months of ageing. The marginal adaptation to the proximal margins of the cavity was analyzed and evaluated by the SEM. The dye method was used to assess the micropermeability, and the analysis was performed using a stereomicroscope. The same samples were used for both studies. A correlation analysis was done based on the data to establish the relationships between marginal adaptation and micropermeability.   A statistically significant difference in the estimates for marginal adaptation of materials to the gingival, vestibular, and lingual proximal edges for values of excellent marginal adaptation ($$p<0.005$$) was found. F.P60 differed significantly from V. Diamond and F. Ultimate. Kalore is arranged in the middle and does not differ considerably from the above two groups. According to micro permeability, a significant difference was found between F. Ultimate with better results and F.P60 and Kalore ($$p<0.005$$). There was a significant correlation ($$p=0.008$$) between the excellent scores for marginal adaptation to the edge of the gingival wall and micropermeability. It can be concluded that innovative high-molecular-weight composites do not significantly improve marginal adaptation and micropermeability in class II cavities, with a gingival wall located entirely in dentin.