The Effects of Polymerization in Different Light Power Modes on the Radiopacity of Composite Resins

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of polymerization in different light power modes on the radiopacity of six different composite resins (Filtek Z250, Xtrafil, Tetric N Ceram, SureFil SDR Flow, Nova Compo HF, Grandio Flow).
 Materials and Methods: Plexiglass molds (8 mm diameter, 2 mm thickness) were used for the preparation of the samples. Totally ten samples were formed for each composite resin (standard mode; n=5 and extra power mode; n=5). A 2-mm-thickness bucco-lingual section was obtained from the extracted premolar tooth for enamel and dentin sample. To evaluate the relationship between the density of the samples and tooth structure, an Al stepwedge was used as a reference. The mean gray values of each composite resin, enamel, dentin and Al stepwedge were calculated with an image analysis program. Data were analyzed with independent sample t test, one way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test.
 Results: All tested composites met ISO standards. Even if the radiopacity values of tested composites changed according to the light power mode, this change was found to be statistically significant only in SureFil SDR Flow (P=0.037). The difference between the radiopacity values of tested composites in both standard power and extra power mode was statistically significant (P