Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage in Class II Cavities Restored with Snow Plow Technique Using Different Flowable Composite Resins as Gingival Increment Followed by Packable Composite Resin Restorations – An In-Vitro Dye Extraction Study

Abstract

To evaluate and compare microleakage in class II cavities restored with snow plow technique using two different flowable composite resins as gingival increment followed by packable composite resin restorations. Fifty sound first molars free of caries, cracks, decay and restorations were selected for this study. Class II mesio occlusal box preparations were made with the following dimensions, buccolingually-3mm, mesiodistally-2mm. The gingival margin was placed 1mm above CEJ. The test specimens were randomly divided into two groups for restoration. GROUP 1: Tetric N Flow bulk fill and Tetric N Ceram bulk fill co cured in snow plow technique. Group 2: SDR plus bulk fill and Tetric N Ceram bulk fill co cured in snow plow technique. Restored teeth were thermocycled for 500 cycles between 5° C and 55° C. The radicular apices of teeth were sealed the teeth were covered with nail varnish completely, except for 1-2 mm around the margins of restorations. The samples were immersed in 2% methylene blue dye for 24 hours, washed and processed for dye extraction. Sample absorbance value was read by UV visible spectrophotometer at 550 nm. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software and Mann-Whitney U test. Results showed lower microleakage in SDR plus group (median of 0.0398) compared to Tetric N flow bulk fill group (median of 0.05890) and the difference between them was statistically significant. The present study concluded that SDR plus bulk fill restoration of class II cavities in snow plow technique showed lower microleakage compared to Tetric N flow bulk fill composite resin in snow plow technique.