CSLM evaluation of bonding agents in amalgam restoration replaced with composite resin.

AIM

This study aims to analyze the depth of penetration of two different adhesives using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope in Class I amalgam restorations replaced with composite restorations.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Eighty freshly extracted human premolars were selected for the study. Samples were randomly divided into four groups ( = 20). Class I cavities were prepared for composite resin restorations the adhesive used in Group Ia: Tetric N-Bond and Group Ib: Tetric N-Bond Universal. For Group II and Group III: Samples were first restored with silver amalgam and removed after 1 year followed by composite resin restoration: Adhesive used in Group II: Tetric N-Bond and Group III: Tetric N-Bond Universal. While using the adhesives each time, they were labeled with 0.1% Rhodamine B dye. After restoring the samples using Te-Econom Plus, they were sectioned with a microtome precision saw. CLSM was used to determine the thickness of the hybrid layer and the number of resin tags.

RESULTS

Higher values of thickness of hybrid layer and number of resin tags were observed in the control group as compared to the experimental groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A significantly thicker hybrid layer and higher number of resin tags were obtained when a total-etch system was used for replacing old amalgam restoration with composite resin.