Influence of composite temperature on the marginal seal in dental restorations

We present a study on marginal filtration in occlusal cavities of human molars filled with restorative materials: adhesive OptiBond (TM) XTR (kerr), and Composite Herculite (R) XRV Ultra (TM) (kerr) with different temperatures (ambient temperature, 37 degrees, 54 degrees y 68 degrees). The composites were heated using a Calset's Composite Heater. After filling the samples' cavities, those were introduced into blue-methylene for 24 hours. Afterwards, the samples were cleaned and placed into resin. A longitudinal-occluso-apical and a mesial-to-distal cut was then performed on each sample, dividing the cavity into two parts. The samples were observed under an optic microscope and images were taken. Observation showed lesser blue-methylene filtration when the composite was heated to 68 degrees, thus concluding that marginal sealing of the cavities is improved when composite is heated at this temperature.