IADR Abstract Archives
Investigation of the Morphology of Composite Resin Restorations (RBC) with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the ability of OCT to detect the performance of two different RBC restorations, placed using two different techniques by three operators and to confirm findings with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Methods: 45 extracted sound human teeth were mounted in epoxy resin in a 12 well-plate. Buccal and lingual lines were marked as reference lines during OCT scanning. Two Class I cavities were prepared per tooth. Specimens were divided into three groups by operators, and then divided into three restorative subgroups following the material and technique used: the first group were restored with Essentia™ using an oblique layering technique, the second and third groups were restored with One Bulk Fill™ and Essentia™ respectively using a horizontal 2mm fill technique. The same 3-step adhesive system was followed in all groups. OCT scans and radiographs were taken at baseline, after cavity preparation, adhesive placement, part fill and post-operatively. 8 representative specimens from the study were sectioned for SEM validation.
Results: Mann Whitney U test demonstrated that the number of voids between techniques was significantly different within OP2. Voids reduced by 31% from the layered to the horizontal technique. A maximum of 5 voids were detected in Essentia compared to 2 in Bulk Fill material. Operators or materials were not significantly different in terms of void location, adaptation, or flash presence. However, voids location was significantly different between techniques; ~52% of voids were located within materials’ bulk and restoration-tooth interface in the layered technique, this was reduced to 10% with the horizontal technique. RBC adaptation was graded and was better with the horizontal compared to the layered technique. The dark tooth/composite interfacial area observed with OCT scans was confirmed by SEM analysis as adhesive-filled.
Conclusions: OCT can non-destructively provide information about the performance of RBC restorations placed by different techniques. The horizontal performed better than the layered placement technique. OCT is a promising technology that could be applied in dentistry to guide and improve treatment outcomes.
Methods: 45 extracted sound human teeth were mounted in epoxy resin in a 12 well-plate. Buccal and lingual lines were marked as reference lines during OCT scanning. Two Class I cavities were prepared per tooth. Specimens were divided into three groups by operators, and then divided into three restorative subgroups following the material and technique used: the first group were restored with Essentia™ using an oblique layering technique, the second and third groups were restored with One Bulk Fill™ and Essentia™ respectively using a horizontal 2mm fill technique. The same 3-step adhesive system was followed in all groups. OCT scans and radiographs were taken at baseline, after cavity preparation, adhesive placement, part fill and post-operatively. 8 representative specimens from the study were sectioned for SEM validation.
Results: Mann Whitney U test demonstrated that the number of voids between techniques was significantly different within OP2. Voids reduced by 31% from the layered to the horizontal technique. A maximum of 5 voids were detected in Essentia compared to 2 in Bulk Fill material. Operators or materials were not significantly different in terms of void location, adaptation, or flash presence. However, voids location was significantly different between techniques; ~52% of voids were located within materials’ bulk and restoration-tooth interface in the layered technique, this was reduced to 10% with the horizontal technique. RBC adaptation was graded and was better with the horizontal compared to the layered technique. The dark tooth/composite interfacial area observed with OCT scans was confirmed by SEM analysis as adhesive-filled.
Conclusions: OCT can non-destructively provide information about the performance of RBC restorations placed by different techniques. The horizontal performed better than the layered placement technique. OCT is a promising technology that could be applied in dentistry to guide and improve treatment outcomes.
