Evaluation of diagnostic value of Laser fluorescence in combination with methylene blue dye for detecting gingival marginal adaptation of dental composite restorations

Abstract

Marginal gap formation is one of the common clinical problems of dental composite restorations .early detection of these defects could prevent subsequent risk of secondary caries. Several in vitro methods have been mentioned in previous studies but the clinical assessment of marginal gap is only based on non-accurate conventional tactile and visual methods.in this study based on laser fluorescence mechanism, a Diagnodent pen (which is a clinical device for caries detection) was used for marginal gap assessment. Method and materials: On root surfaces of 75 premolar teeth composite restorations were provided. Gap size of one special marked point on marginal area of samples was measured using stereomicroscope, then at the same point gap was scanned with Diagnodent after painting with methylene blue dye. Data of both measurements was statistically analyzed by providing ROC curve and Regression formula and pair T test. Results: Mean Diagnodent value (D value) of marginal area was statistically more than D values of composite and root surfaces (P<0.001). There was a direct correlation between Diagnodent readings at marginal gap area and gap size at the same point (P<0.001). Conclusion: Within the results of this study using Diagnodent pen and methylene blue dye could be recognized as a clinical method for marginal gap detection and measurement of dental composite restorations