A comparative evaluation of microleakage among new composites FILTEK Z350 XT, TETRIC N-CREAM, and CLEARFIL AP-X: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Modern composites promise to improve fracture resistance, reduce postoperative sensitivity and marginal discoloration. They have also been reported to reduce microleakage, which can lead to restoration failure and tooth loss. A comparative evaluation of microleakage among newer composites FILTEK Z350 XT, TETRIC N-CREAM, and CLEARFIL AP-X was carried out to assess their efficacy in reducing marginal microleakage. Methods: The study’s samples consisted of 45 upper maxillary premolar teeth. These teeth, whose sizes varied, were removed for orthodontic reasons. Class II were prepared in teeth under aseptic conditions. The specimens were divided into three experimental groups of fifteen teeth each (n = 15) and the prepared cavities were restored with nanocomposite FILTEK Z350XT (Group-I), TETRIC N-CERAM (Group-II), and micro hybrid CLEARFIL AP-X (Group III). All the teeth were immersed in methylene blue stain to explore the microleakage. Specimens were sectioned buccolingually through the restoration using diamond disc. The restorations were assessed for presence of microleakage and examined under stereo-microscope of 40X magnification to assess the microleakage. One-way ANOVA and Unpaired student t-test analysis was carried out. Results: The mean scores of microleakage showed higher values at the gingival region for Group I and Group II, while Group III exhibited higher mean scores at the occlusal region. Further, the least microleakage was observed in TETRIC N-CERAM followed by FILTEK Z350XT followed by CLEARFIL AP-X. Conclusion: None of the composites tested completely prevented microleakage, but there were significant differences among them. TETRIC N-CERAM was the most effective material in reducing microleakage compared to FILTEK Z350XT and CLEARFIL AP-X.