The effects of cavity disinfection on the nanoleakage of compomer restorations: an in vitro study

PURPOSE: Cavity disinfection, in addition to routine caries removal methods, is recommended to eliminate the microorganisms. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of various systems Er,Cr:YSGG lasers, diode lasers and FotoSan and agents Corsodyl; Cervitec and Cervitec Plus and Fluor Protector—on the nanoleakage of compomer restorations when used for cavity disinfection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 intact human deciduous molar teeth containing Black V cavities (3×2×1.5 mm) on the buccal and lingual surfaces parallel to the cementoenamel junction were randomly divided into 8 groups according to the cavity disinfection methods. The antibacterial agents and systems were applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Restorations were completed using a compomer. The restored teeth were then subjected to thermocycling for 500 cycles in a water bath at 5°C and 55°C with a dwell time of 30 seconds. After the thermocycling procedures, 1-mm sticks were obtained from the center of each cavity to prepare for the nanoleakage test. After the teeth were sectioned, they were immersed in 50 wt % ammoniacal silver nitrate solution for 24 hours and dipped in photo-developing solutions for 8 hours with fluorescent light irradiation. The samples were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test (p<0.05) were applied. RESULTS: The Er,Cr:YSGG laser group showed significantly less nanoleakage than all of the tested groups (p<0.01). The diode laser, Fluor protector and FotoSan groups showed similar nanoleakage to that of the control group (p>0.05). The Corsodyl (p<0.01) and Cervitec (p<0.001) groups showed significantly higher nanoleakage than the control group. CONCLUSION: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation which showed lower nanoleakage scores from either control or tested groups can be recommended for cavity disinfection Additionally, a diode laser and FotoSan, which have antibacterial effects and no negative effect on leakage, can be used for cavity disinfection.