Comparative radiopacity of flowable resin composites.

OBJECTIVE

This in vitro investigation aimed to determine the radiopacity of eight recently introduced "flowable" restorative resin composites and to compare their radiodensities to those of enamel, dentin, and a widely used composite marketed for universal application in anterior and posterior teeth.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

A total of 45 composite specimens were fabricated in cylindrical molds and exposed to a curing light for 120 seconds. Two methods were used to determine radiopacity: a transmission densitometer and a computer-assisted densitometric image analysis station.

RESULTS

Of the eight flowable resin composites tested, only three exhibited a radiopacity equal to or greater than that of enamel, a widely followed guideline for clinicians' diagnostic ability. The radiopacity of the remaining five materials was not statistically significantly greater than that of dentin.

CONCLUSION

The level of radiopacity of the tested flowable composites was variable; those with low radiodensity should be avoided in Class II restorations, where a clear determination of recurrent caries by the examining clinician could be compromised.