The effect of different cavity disinfection methods on dental discoloration and microleakage of composite inlay restorations

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of different disinfection methods [diode laser (DL), photoactivated disinfection (PAD), chlorhexidine (CHX)] on the sealing ability of composite inlays after cementation and to evaluate the color change created by PAD and CHX methods. Material and Method: A total of 210 cavities were prepared on both mesial and distal surfaces of 105 extracted human molar teeth. Then these teeth were divided into 15 groups (n=14) according to disinfection method and resin cement applications. Group1: Self-adhesive (SA) resin cement (GCEM Linkace), Group2: Self-etch (SE) resin cement (GCEM LinkForce), Group3: Etch-and-rinse (ER) resin cement (GCEM LinkForce), Group4: CHX+SA, Group5: CHX+SE, Group6: CHX+ER(before acid-etching(ba)), Group7: CHX+ER(after acid-etching(aa)), Group8: DL+SA, Group9: DL+SE, Group10: DL+ER(ba), Group11: DL+ER(aa), Group12: FAD+SA, Group13: FAD+SE, Group14: FAD+ER(ba), Group 15: FAD+ER(aa). Marginal microleakage was observed by dye penetration method. Color measurement was done on totally 28 samples before and after disinfection with PAD and CHX. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS for Windows Version 22.0. Results: Statistically significant difference was found in CHX+SA, FAD+SA, DL+SA, DL+SE at gingival margins and in CHX+SA, DL+SA at occlusal margins compared to control groups (p˂0.05). The difference between FAD and CHX discoloration is significant (p˂0.05). Conclusion: All of he disinfection methods decreased microleakage in self-adhesive resin cement. Diode laser disinfection increased microleakage in self-etch resin cement. Cavity disinfection methods have no effect on microleakage in etch-and-rinse resin cement. Photoactivated disinfection may cause discoloration of the teeth. Key Words: Cavity disinfectant, composite inlay, microleakage, discoloration, resin cement