Evaluation of immediate and delayed microleakage of class v cavities restored with chitosan-incorporated composite resins: An in vitro study

Abstract

Aim and objective: To evaluate and compare the microleakage of unmodified microhybrid composite and 0.2% chitosan-incorporated composite in class V cavities restored immediately and after 3 months of storage in artificial saliva. Materials and methods: Sixty human permanent maxillary premolars were collected and standardized class V cavity prepared on the buccal surface of each tooth with dimensions: mesiodistally 3 mm, occluso cervically 2 mm, and depth of 1.5 mm and restored with microhybrid composite and chitosan-incorporated composite resins respectively and randomly divided: Group I: control-microhybrid composite (n = 30): (a) 15 teeth tested immediately (b) 15 teeth tested after 3 months. Group II–restored with chitosan + composite (n = 30): (a) 15 teeth tested immediately (b) 15 teeth tested after 3 months. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva following which a dye extraction test was carried out using a spectrophotometer. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in microleakage score between the chitosan-composite group and unmodified composite group when evaluated immediately after placing the restoration. Microleakage values of the unmodified composite group increased significantly after 3 months of storage in artificial saliva and values of the chitosan-composite group did not differ significantly even after 3 months of storage. Microleakage was seen significantly less in the chitosan-composite group compared to the unmodified composite group after 3 months of storage in artificial saliva. Conclusion: It can be concluded that chitosan-incorporated composite seems to have improved mechanical properties and forms a more stable bond when compared with unmodified microhybrid composite in addition to being antibacterial. Clinical significance: Considering the advantageous properties of this material, it may be clinically useful in restoring class V cavities in patients with high caries risk. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies need to be carried out.