Radiopacity measurements of direct and indirect resin composites at different thicknesses using digital image analysis

Abstract

Radiopacity is an important property of composite materials for clinical diagnosis. For seven direct composites (Aelite LS Posterior, Aelite All-Purpose Body, Quadrant Universal LC, Clearfil Majesty Posterior, Clearfil Majesty Esthetic, Filtek Ultimate Dentin, IPS Empress Direct Dentin) and six indirect composites (Ceromega, Epricord, Estenia C&B, Tescera, Signum Ceramis, Solidex), diskshaped specimens (N=260, n=10 per group) were fabricated for two thicknesses at 1 and 2 mm. Average radiographic density of each composite material was calculated. Radiopacity values of specimens were expressed in equivalent thickness of aluminum using the calibration curve. Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s HSD test (α=0.05). Radiopacity was significantly affected by resin composite type (p<0.05) and thickness (p<0.001). All composites, except Epricord (1.22–1.84), had higher radiopacity values than dentin (1.23–2.24). IPS Empress Direct (5.58–9.38) and Estenia C&B (5.49–9.16) showed significantly higher radiopacity (p<0.05) than the other materials including enamel and dentin.