Molar cusp deformation evaluated by micro-CT and enamel crack formation to compare incremental and bulk-filling techniques.

OBJECTIVES

To describe a method of measuring the molar cusp deformation using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), the propagation of enamel cracks using transillumination, and the effects of hygroscopic expansion after incremental and bulk-filling resin composite restorations.

METHODS

Twenty human molars received standardized Class II mesio-occlusal-distal cavity preparations. They were restored with either a bulk-fill resin composite, X-tra fil (XTRA), or a conventional resin composite, Filtek Z100 (Z100). The resin composites were tested for post-gel shrinkage using a strain gauge method. Cusp deformation (CD) was evaluated using the images obtained using a micro-CT protocol and using a strain-gauge method. Enamel cracks were detected using transillumination.

RESULTS

The post-gel shrinkage of Z100 was higher than XTRA (P < 0.001). The amount of cusp deformation produced using Z100 was higher compared to XTRA, irrespective of the measurement method used (P < 0.001). The thinner lingual cusp always had a higher CD than the buccal cusp, irrespective of the measurement method (P < 0.001). A positive correlation (r = 0.78) was found between cusp deformation measured by micro-CT or by the strain-gauge method. After hygroscopic expansion of the resin composite, the cusp displacement recovered around 85% (P < 0.001). After restoration, Z100 produced more cracks than XTRA (P = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Micro-CT was an effective method for evaluating the cusp deformation. Transillumination was effective for detecting enamel cracks. There were fewer negative effects of polymerization shrinkage in bulk-fill resin restorations using XTRA than for the conventional incremental filling technique using conventional composite resin Z100.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Shrinkage and cusp deformation are directly related to the formation of enamel cracks. Cusp deformation and crack propagation may increase the risk of tooth fracture.