A comparative study of bulk-fill composites: degree of conversion, post-gel shrinkage and cytotoxicity

Abstract: Bulk-fill composites are claimed to be restorative materials used in deep preparations and effectively photoactivated in layers up to 4 mm. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the degree of conversion, post-gel volumetric shrinkage, and cytotoxicity of six bulk-fill and two conven...

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Main Authors: Flávia Gonçalves (Author), Luiza Mello de Paiva Campos (Author), Ezequias Costa Rodrigues-Júnior (Author), Fabrícia Viana Costa (Author), Pamela Adeline Marques (Author), Carlos Eduardo Francci (Author), Roberto Ruggiero Braga (Author), Letícia Cristina Cidreira Boaro (Author)
Format: Book
Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica, 2018-03-01T00:00:00Z.
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Summary:Abstract: Bulk-fill composites are claimed to be restorative materials used in deep preparations and effectively photoactivated in layers up to 4 mm. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the degree of conversion, post-gel volumetric shrinkage, and cytotoxicity of six bulk-fill and two conventional composites. Degree of conversion was determined by FTIR spectroscopy; post-gel volumetric shrinkage was determined using the strain gauge method; and cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts was evaluated indirectly by the MTT assay. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 0.05). All materials, including bulk-fill and conventional composites, were classified as non-toxic, with cell viability higher than 70%. Bulk-fill composites exhibited volumetric shrinkage similar to or lower (1.4 to 0.4%) than that of conventional composites (1.7-2.1%). However, only four of the bulk-fill composites were able to sustain a homogeneous conversion at the 4-mm depth. Despite their non-toxicity and shrinkage similar to that of conventional materials, not all commercial bulk-fill materials were able to maintain a conversion as high as 80% of the superficial layer, at the 4-mm depth, indicating some failure in the bulk-fill design of some commercial brands. Therefore, the use of bulk-fill materials in dental practice is advantageous, but special attention should be given to the selection and correct use of the materials.
Item Description:1807-3107
10.1590/1807-3107bor-2018.vol32.0017