Effects of Different Disinfection Methods on Microleakage of Giomer Restorations

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effects of different disinfection methods on microleakage of Class V Giomer restorations.

Materials and Methods Class V cavity preparation was performed on 40 sound permanent central incisors. Class V cavities (3 x 2 x 2 mm) were prepared on the buccal surfaces of the selected teeth. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups, each to be disinfected with a different method: Group 1—Disinfection with 2% chlorhexidine, Group 2—Disinfection with 6% sodium hypochlorite, Group 3—Disinfection with erbium, chromium: yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser, Group 4—Control (distilled water). BeautiBond adhesive and Beautifil II Giomer restoration materials were applied to all surfaces of the cavities after the disinfection of all groups. The teeth were thermocycled 5,000 times (5–55°C), and then were immersed in 0.5% methylene blue for 24 hours. After rinsing, the teeth were longitudinally sectioned and dye penetration was assessed under a stereomicroscope (40x) to evaluate microleakage.

Statistical Analysis The results were statistically evaluated by using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results Statistically, no significant difference was found between all four groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in microleakage scores of study groups (p > 0.05). Also, the microleakage scores of the gingival margins were significantly higher than the incisal margins (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions Application of the different cavity disinfectants has no effect on the microleakage of Class V Giomer restorations.

Keywords

cavity disinfection - chlorhexidine - Giomer - laser - microleakage

Introduction

Microbial factors, oral hygiene, and dietary habits may lead to caries formation in the cervical area of the teeth.[1] Even if the initial lesions are asymptomatic, cervical caries may cause pain, tenderness and aesthetic defects in later stages. Resin materials are commonly used in the treatment of cervical caries lesions.[2] Giomer is a resin-based restorative material, developed by adding glass ionomer-filler particles into composite resins, and indicated for use in Class V cavities. This hybrid material represents promising aesthetic and physical-mechanical properties similar to composite resins. Also, the fluoride charging and releasing ability offered by giomers has been claimed to be close to glass ionomer cements.[3] However, the long-term fluoride release of Giomer is questionable,[3] it has been reported to have demineralization inhibition properties such as glass ionomers in vitro.[4]

Necrotic and infected dentin tissues are intended to be completely removed from the cavity to maintain pulp vitality during the cavity preparation.[5] Although most of the bacteria are found in the infected dentin layer, bacteria can also be found in small amounts in the hard and affected dentin at bottom of excavated cavity.[1] [5] Complete removal of infected dentin layers is essential to create a mechanically and biologically successful restoration. However, in the final stage of caries removal it is considerably difficult to make a visual diagnosis and distinguish the infected or affected dentin.[6] Therefore, it is recommended to use an antibacterial cavity disinfectant following the cavity preparation to eliminate the risk of any pulpal inflammation caused by the microorganisms that may remain in the affected dentin.[7] Various antibacterial agents and techniques such as chlorhexidine gluconate, potassium iodine, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), laser, etc. are recommended for this purpose. Chlorhexidine gluconate-based solutions are the most commonly used materials as cavity disinfectants. Chlorhexidine’s action mechanism is based on its chemical properties with strong cationic character. The negative charge on the surface of oral tissues interacts with the positively charged chlorhexidine molecule and creates a long-lasting antimicrobial effect.[8] [9] NaOCl, on the other hand, is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, which is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It has organic tissue-dissolving ability and high efficacy against microorganisms organized in biofilms. NaOCl can be used to eliminate residual bacteria remaining in dentine tubules and cavity bottom after cavity preparation.[10] However, there is a possibility that NaOCl as a cavity disinfectant may have adverse effects on hybrid layer formation or bond strength of composite resins.[11]

Laser irradiation has been recommended for cavity disinfection. Hard tissue lasers exhibit antibacterial effect, especially by evaporating the cellular liquid that expands by laser shot, causing the cell wall to break down.[1] Laser irradiation provides reduction or total closure of dentinal tubules and intratubular fluid flow, which resulted in prevention on microleakage.[12]

Resin restorations show polymerization shrinkage that causes gap formation between the tooth tissues and the restoration. Bacterial products, oral fluids, and various ions can penetrate through the interface gap, which is defined as microleakage, and lead to postoperative sensitivity or discoloration of teeth, secondary caries, or pulpal pathologies.[13] Besides, thermal expansion, inadequate adhesion of the restorative materials to the tooth tissues, or dissolution of restorative materials by oral fluids may cause microleakage.[14]

There are both benefits and drawbacks of using cavity disinfectant according to actual literature. Some researchers have claimed that cavity disinfectant application may cause microleakage between the tooth tissue and restoration.[2] [9] However, others have reported that the disinfections have no effect on the microleakage of restoration.[6] [8]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different disinfection methods on the microleakage of Giomer restorations. The null hypothesis was that cavity disinfectants did not affect the sealing capability of restorations.

Materials and Methods

In this study, 40 sound permanent bovine central incisors were used. The teeth were cleaned of debris and residual substances with a rubber-cup and fluoride-free polishing paste. The teeth were placed in distilled water containing 0.1% thymol for disinfection and kept there for 24 hours. 3x2x2 mm Class V cavities were prepared in the middle third of the buccal surfaces of the teeth. This process was done by using a high-speed head and diamond fissure burs (Diatech Dental AG, Sweden Dental Instrument, CH-9435 Heerbrugg, Switzerland) with water coolant. The depth of the cavities was standardized by means of a periodontal probe with millimeter markings. Teeth samples were then randomly divided into four groups (n = 10).

The disinfection procedures were indicated in [Table 1]. After all the four groups were disinfected, BeautiBond (Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan) was applied to all surfaces of the cavities with the help of an applicator in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The bonding agent was polymerized for 20 seconds by using a LED light source with light intensity of 400 mW/cm² (Guilin Woodpecker Medical Instrument Co., Ltd, China).

Table 1 Disinfection methods used in the study

Group	Treatment procedure	Manufacturer
Abbreviations: Er, Cr: YSGG, erbium, chromium: yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet; NaOCl, sodium hypochlorite.
Group 1	CHX 2% chlorhexidine gluconate treatment with rinsing and drying	Cavity Cleanser, Bisco, Schaumburg, Illinois, United States
Group 2	6% NaOCl treatment with rinsing and drying	RC CLEANER, ilchungdental, Seoul, Korea
Group 3	Er, Cr: YSGG laser, 20 Hz; 0.75 W; 15% water, 15% air and drying	iPlus; Waterlase, Biolase, California, United States
Group 4	Distilled water with rinsing and drying	–

Following the conditioning procedures, a single layer of Beautifil II (Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan) was applied on the cavities. All the samples were polymerized for 20 seconds at a light intensity of 400 mW/cm². All the restorative procedures were performed by one operator.

The finishing and polishing were performed by using diamond-finishing burs with a yellow ring and an OneGloss PC (Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan). The teeth were immersed in distilled water for 24 hours at 37°C. Then all the teeth were thermocycled 5,000 times (5–55°C), with a waiting period of 30 seconds and a transfer period of 10 seconds.

The tooth apices, which were then kept at 37°C for 24 hours, were tightly sealed with wax. The teeth were covered with two layers of nail polish to leave 1-mm thick sound enamel around the restorations. The teeth were immersed in 0.5% methylene blue at 37°C for 24 hours, after which they were taken out of the dye solution and rinsed thoroughly under running water until they were clear of dye residuals. The microleakage levels of the cross-sectioned teeth were examined under a stereomicroscope (Zeiss, Germany) at 40x magnification.

Statistical Analysis

The results of microleakage evaluation were submitted to statistical analysis using “SPSS 15.0” computer software (SPSS 15.0; SPSS Inc, United States). Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests were performed. Significance was predetermined at p < 0.05.

Results

The examples of cross-sectioned teeth with microleakage were presented in [Fig. 1]. The microleakage scores were determined by using the criteria given in [Table 2]. Distribution of microleakage scores according to groups were shown in [Table 3].

Fig. 1 The arrowheads show microleakage levels between the restoration and tooth surface of two-dimensional specimens. (A) Score 0, no leakage; (B) Score 1, leakage depth up to one-third of the internal surface; (C) Score 2, leakage depth up to two-thirds of the internal surface. (D) Score 3, leakage into more than two-thirds of the cavity depth up to the axial wall or toward the pulp.

Table 2 Scoring chart used to evaluate microleakage levels

0	No microleakage
1	Penetration up to one-third of the cavity depth
2	Penetration between one-third up to two-thirds of the cavity depth
3	Penetration into more than two-thirds of the cavity depth up to the axial wall or toward the pulp

Table 3 Distribution of microleakage scores according to groups

		Microleakage scores
		0	1	2	3
Group 1	Gingival	0	0	0	10
	Incisal	1	7	1	1
Group 2	Gingival	0	1	0	9
	Incisal	2	8	0	0
Group 3	Gingival	0	0	0	10
	Incisal	2	5	0	3
Group 4	Gingival	0	0	0	10
	Incisal	1	5	1	3

The results of the Kruskal–Wallis test indicated that there was no significant differences among the microleakage scores of the different groups (p > 0.05). Mann–Whitney U test showed no significant difference in microleakage scores between paired groups both for incisal and gingival margins (p > 0.05). On the other hand, the microleakage scores of gingival margins were significantly higher than that in the incisal margins (p < 0.0001).

Discussion

Cervical caries is a common type of caries caused by inadequate oral hygiene, cariogenic diet and bacteria.[2] After caries removal, the existence of residual bacteria within a restoration may lead to microleakage and secondary caries.[13] Therefore, disinfection of the dentine surface is recommended before any restorative material is placed into the cavity.[7] Several agents and techniques, such as chlorhexidine gluconate, potassium iodine, hydrogen peroxide, NaOCl, and laser, are frequently used for this purpose.[8] [9] In this in vitro study, we compared four different disinfection methods on the microleakage of Giomer resin material in Class V restorations of permanent bovine central incisors.

It is recommended to store the extracted teeth in distilled water, glutaraldehyde, or thymol solutions for in vitro tests.[15] [16] In the present study, the extracted teeth were first disinfected in distilled water containing 1% thymol at room temperature for 24 hours after the tooth extraction, and then kept in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours following following polishing procedure.

Eating, drinking, and breathing cause temperature changes within the mouth. Intraoral temperature changes cause thermal stresses in the adhesive bonding between the tooth and the restoration interface. Effects of long-term exposure to temperature and humidity changes can be simulated by means of thermal cycling. Thermal cycling is frequently used in experiments where the performance of adhesive materials is examined.[17] Also, it is preferred in microleakage studies to age restorations clinically. It is believed that this method provides rather reliable results in microleakage experiments.[18] In this study, all the teeth were thermocycled 5,000 times (5–55°C) before the microleakage test.

In vitro microleakage tests are attempt to assess sealing ability of restorative materials.[19] Chemical markers, scanning electron microscope analysis, neutron activation analysis, autoradiography, and dye leakage methods have been recommended to evaluate microleakage. Using organic dyes in microleakage studies is one of the oldest methods and still preferred to other techniques. Silver nitrate (50%), methylene blue (0.2-2%), crystal violet (0.05%), erythrosine (2%), rhodamine B (0.2%), and basic fuchsine (0.5-2%) are generally using dye solutions.[2] [20] [21] In the present study, 0.5% methylene blue solution was used to assess the microleakage of restorative materials. This technique is preferred for microleakage studies due to simple and inexpensive application.

Similar microleakage studies regarding to cavity disinfectants indicated several results. Türkün et al[8] examined effect of chlorhexidine, benzalkonium chloride, and iodine-based cavity disinfectants on the sealing ability of different dentin adhesives. They have reported that the use of chlorhexidine- and benzalkonium chloride-based solutions as cavity disinfectants had no effect on the microleakage while iodine-based solutions increased it. Another study investigating the effect of using ethanol, chlorhexidine, and NaOCl as a cavity disinfectant on microleakage showed that these solutions did not increase the microleakage.[6] Tulunoglu et al,[9] on the other hand, reported that the use of chlorhexidine-based cavity disinfectant had a negative effect on dentin adhesive systems. The present study showed that all samples exhibited microleakage when assessed under the microscope magnification. We observed that cavities restored with Giomer have similar microleakage scores with or without different cavity disinfection methods. These results were in accordance with previous studies.[6] [8]

The lasers are capable of removing the smear layer which contains residual bacteria and disinfect the dentinal tubules.[1] The antibacterial effect of lasers is related to many factors including the laser’s energy output, water content and volume of the cell, cell wall stability, absorption properties, and movements of bacteria in the dentine tubules.[22] Kouchi et al[23] showed that streptococcus mutans may exist in dentine at depths of 1,050 to 1,150 μm. It was shown that the antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine gluconate in a 500-μm thick dentine goes down to 54%,[24] while a diode laser could kill 90.8% of the microorganisms at 5W and 97.7% at 7W for the same dentine thickness.[22] In a study conducted by Türkün et al,[1] erbium, chromium: yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er, Cr: YSGG) laser with power outputs 0.75 W and 1 W and a chlorhexidine-based cavity disinfectant were compared in terms of antibacterial activity, and it was reported there was no significant difference between the two methods and lasers could be used for cavity disinfection, but it was not an economical method. In a study on the effect of potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser radiation, 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, and Clearfil Protect Bond on the microleakage of Class V composite restorations, KTP lasers were reported to reduce the microleakage to a statistically significant extent. In the present study, no statistically significant difference was observed when the microleakage scores related to the use of Er, Cr: YSGG laser with a power output of 0.75 W were compared with the scores of the other groups.

Studies examining the microleakage of Class V restorations reported that gingival edges of cavities showed higher microleakage than the incisal edges,[25] [26] which were attributed to the fact that the enamel layer in the cervical region is thinner, and therefore more permeable than the enamel layer at the incisal edge.[25] In fact, in the present study, the microleakage scores of gingival margins showed were significantly higher than the incisal margins.

Conclusion

The results of present study indicate that the cavity disinfectant application has no effect on the microleakage of Class V Giomer restorations. These findings should be supported with long-term clinical trials.

Conflict of interest

None declared.

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