Microleakage of “bulk-fill” composite resin for class II restorations pretreated with CO2 laser in deciduous molars: an in vitro study

Microleakage has been reported to cause dentin hypersensitivity because of the passage of bacteria and their products through the restoration-tooth interface and is one of the main reasons for replacement of restorations. CO2 laser can be used for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate in vitro the microleakage in composite restorations following surface pretreatment with acid etching and CO2 laser.

Twelve human caries-free primary molars were selected. Class II cavities were prepared on occlusal mesial and occlusal distal surfaces. Specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6): Group 1 (G1) – 37% phosphoric acid gel etching + Beautiful-Bulk Restorative – Giomer (Shofu Inc); Group 2 (G2) – 37% phosphoric acid gel etching + SDR Bulk-Fill Flow (Dentsply); Group 3 (G3) – CO2 laser irradiation + Beautiful-Bulk Restorative – Giomer (Shofu Inc); Group 4 (G4) – CO2 laser irradiation + SDR Bulk-Fill Flow (Dentsply). Surfaces were restored with bonding agent (Natural Bond DE, DFL). Specimens were cut longitudinally and immersed in 0.5% methylene blue solution for 4 hours. Microleakage scores were assessed under a magnifying glass at x3,5 and qualitatively analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed using nonparametric Wilcoxon test (P < 0.05).

Scores prevailed between 0 and 2, however, no statistically significant difference was found among the groups (P = 0.05).

It could be concluded that all composite resins bulk fill did not show significant difference among them regarding microleakage using either CO2 laser or 37% phosphoric acid etching.