Marginal Gap Extension and Elemental Composition of Pulp-Protective Materials Under Composite Restorations After Hydrolytic Aging: An In Vitro Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/343f5h58Keywords:
Dentin-pulp complex; Pulp protection; Marginal gap extension; Hydrolytic aging; Microscopy electron scanning; Spectrum analysis; Energy-dispersive.Abstract
This study evaluated the marginal gap extension of materials used for dentin-pulp complex protection and the influence of hydrolytic degradation on marginal gap formation in Class V cavities restored with composite resin. Forty extracted human molars received standardized Class V cavities on buccal and lingual surfaces and were restored using different pulp-protective materials: calcium silicate-based cement (Theracal LC), calcium hydroxide with resin components (Ultrablend Plus and Calcimol LC), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Ionoseal), and conventional calcium hydroxide (Hydro C), applied with a thickness of 0.5 mm. A universal adhesive system and composite resin were subsequently applied. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 24 hours or 30 days and subjected to thermocycling. Marginal gap formation was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy using epoxy resin replicas, and gap extension was measured with ImageJ software. Elemental composition of the pulp-protective materials was assessed by EDS. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, two-way ANOVA (Material x Time), and Tukey’s post hoc test (P=0.05). Marginal gap extension varied according to the type of pulp-protective material. Materials with lower resin content tended to exhibit smaller marginal gaps, whereas those with higher resin concentration were associated with greater gap formation. Hydrolytic degradation influenced marginal gap extension for specific materials over time. The type and number of resinous components may influence polymerization-related stress and interfacial behavior, while the use of an adhesive system appeared to contribute to maintaining marginal sealing.
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