The effect of flowable resin composite on microleakage and internal voids in Class II composite restorations

This in vitro study evaluated the influence of two flowable resin composites on marginal microleakage and internal voids in Class II composite restorations with the margins below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Class II cavities randomly divided into four groups: Group I-Filtek with Filtek Flow lining; Group II-Filtek; Group III-Tetric Ceram with Tetric Flow lining; Group IV-Tetric Ceram. After thermocycling tests (5-60 x 1500) and dye soaking, the teeth were sectioned in a mesiodistal direction along their longitudinal axis. Gingival-marginal microleakage and internal voids in three separate portions of the restoration (interface, cervical and occlusal voids) were observed with a microscope. Statistical analyses indicated that the use of flowable resin composites (Groups I and III) provided a reduction in marginal microleakage and a reduction in some parts of the internal voids or total voids (p < 0.05). The condensable material (Filtek) in combination with the flowable liner showed fewer voids (interface, occlusal, total) than the hybrid resin (Tetric) (p < 0.05). There was a correlation between the number of internal voids or total voids and the marginal microleakage (p < 0.05). It was concluded that a composite lining in a Class II resin composite with margins below the cementoenamel junction may reduce marginal microleakage and voids in the interface and the total number of voids in the restoration.