Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
134
Views
14
Downloads
Abstract
Tooth‐colored posterior restorations, particularly direct resin composites, have become the preferred treatment since their introduction in the 1960s. Improvements in materials and patient preferences for mercury‐free alternatives have driven the adoption of composite resins over amalgam. However, issues such as polymerization shrinkage and microleakage, especially at the gingival margins of Class II cavities, remain significant challenges. This in vitro study assessed the gingival microleakage of Class II composite resin restorations with and without fiber inserts. Sixty freshly extracted intact molars were divided into three groups: Group I (control, no fiber insert), Group II (polyethylene fiber insert) and Group III (glass fiber insert). Cavities were restored using a single bond universal adhesive and a packable composite, then thermocycled, stained with methylene blue, sectioned and analyzed under a stereo microscope. Microleakage was scored based on dye penetration. The mean microleakage scores were significantly lower in the fiber‐reinforced groups compared to the control group. Group I showed a mean score of 1.75±0.79, Group II had 0.95±0.60 and Group III had 0.80±0.52. Both fiber groups demonstrated significantly less microleakage than the control group (p<0.05), with no significant difference between the polyethylene and glass fiber groups, though the glass fiber group performed slightly better. Fiber inserts significantly reduce gingival microleakage in Class II composite resin restorations, with glass fiber inserts showing marginally better performance than polyethylene fibers. However, complete elimination of microleakage was not achieved. Further research is needed to optimize these materials and techniques for clinical use.
How to cite this article:
Atul Ashok Jadhav, Preeti Singh Jadhav and H.P. Trivedi. Efficacy of Fiber Inserts in Reducing Gingival Microleakage in Class II Composite Resin Restorations: An In Vitro Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.8.402.406
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.8.402.406