Authors : Dr. Shubhanki Shrimal; Dr. Manu Bansal; Dr. Akshita Tak; Dr. Deepesh Boolchandani; Dr. Mahak Khan

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mr48ds7p

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/482x3huj

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul154

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Polymerization shrinkage and microleakage remain major concerns in Class V composite restorations because they adversely affect marginal integrity and restoration longevity. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of different lightcuring modes on microleakage of Class V restorations restored using different bulk-fill composite materials. Sixty extracted human premolars were selected and standardized Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces. Samples were restored using 3M Filtek Bulk Fill, Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill, and Opus Bulk Fill composites. Restorations were polymerized using continuous, ramp, and pulse curing modes with an LED curing unit. Following thermocycling, specimens underwent dye penetration testing and were sectioned longitudinally for stereomicroscopic and SEM evaluation. Microleakage was assessed using standardized scoring criteria and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. The 3M Filtek Bulk Fill composite demonstrated the lowest mean microleakage scores, whereas Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill exhibited the highest leakage values. Pulse curing mode demonstrated significantly lower microleakage compared with continuous curing mode. SEM analysis revealed improved marginal adaptation and reduced interfacial gap formation in pulse-cured restorations. Within the limitations of this study, both restorative material and curing mode significantly influenced microleakage in Class V restorations. Pulse curing mode demonstrated superior marginal adaptation compared with continuous curing mode, while 3M Filtek Bulk Fill showed the best overall performance.

Keywords : Bulk-Fill Composite, Microleakage, Class V Restoration, Light-Curing Modes, Polymerization Shrinkage, Marginal Adaptation.

References :

1. Feilzer AJ, de Gee AJ, Davidson CL. Setting stress in composite resin in relation to configuration of the restoration. J Dent Res. 1987;66(11):1636–1639.
2. Alomari QD, Reinhardt JW, Boyer DB. Effect of C-factor and light-curing protocol on polymerization shrinkage stresses in resin composite restorations. Oper Dent. 2011;36(6):633–640.
3. Hardan LS, Amm EW, Ghayad A, et al. Effect of different modes of light curing and resin composites on microleakage of Class II restorations. Odontology. 2009;97(1):37–44.
4. Chandurkar AM, et al. Comparative evaluation of microleakage using different curing cycles in Class V restorations. J Conserv Dent. 2014;17(6):550–554.
5. Yap AUJ, Soh MS. Curing efficacy and marginal adaptation of composite restorations. Oper Dent. 2004;29(1):92–99.
6. Braga RR, Ferracane JL. Alternatives in polymerization contraction stress management. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 2004;15(3):176–184.
7. Price RB, Felix CM, Andreou P. Third-generation LED curing lights and marginal adaptation. J Can Dent Assoc. 2010;76:a24.
8. Kanca J, Suh BI. Pulse-delay curing in resin composite restorations. Quintessence Int. 1999;30(9):567–572.
9. Ferracane JL. Resin composite—state of the art. Dent Mater. 2011;27(1):29–38.
10. Ilie N, Jelen E. High-intensity curing and internal gap formation in composite restorations. Clin Oral Investig. 2010;14(5):535–542.
11. Davidson CL, Feilzer AJ. Polymerization shrinkage and polymerization shrinkage stress in polymer-based restoratives. J Dent. 1997;25(6):435–440.
12. Mehl A, Hickel R, Kunzelmann KH. Physical properties and gap formation of light-cured composites with soft-start polymerization. J Dent. 1997;25(3-4):321–330.
13. Peumans M, Kanumilli P, De Munck J, et al. Clinical effectiveness of contemporary adhesives in cervical lesions. J Dent Res. 2005;84(12):118–132.
14. Relhan N, et al. Effect of layering techniques and LED curing modes on microleakage. J Conserv Dent. 2015;18(4):321–326.
15. Yazici AR, et al. Influence of curing units and modes on microleakage of flowable composites. Oper Dent. 2008;33(3):293–299.
16. Luddin N, et al. Effect of curing intensity on polymerization shrinkage and marginal adaptation. Dent Mater J. 2014;33(6):731–738.
17. Lu Y, et al. Effect of rapid high-intensity curing on microleakage of bulk-fill composites. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2025;37(2):210–218.
18. Bilgrami A, et al. Influence of aging on microleakage of restorative materials. Oper Dent. 2022;47(5):E201–E210.
19. Korkmaz Y, et al. Influence of curing lights on microleakage in flowable composite restorations. Oper Dent. 2008;33(4):402–408.
20. Pradelle-Plasse N, et al. Influence of bonding agents and curing units on marginal adaptation. Dent Mater. 2003;19(6):548–555.
21. Calixto LR, et al. Influence of photoinitiator systems on polymerization shrinkage stress. Dent Mater. 2008;24(8):1040–1046.
22. Feilzer AJ, et al. Polymerization contraction stress and cavity configuration. J Dent Res. 1995;74(11):1740–1746.
23. Yap AUJ, et al. Comparison of halogen and LED soft-start curing systems. Oper Dent. 2004;29(5):510–516.
24. Soares CJ, et al. Energy density and polymerization stress relationship. Oper Dent. 2007;32(5):489–495.
25. Lopes LG, et al. Influence of viscosity and curing mode on polymerization stress. J Adhes Dent. 2008;10(4):285–291.
26. Ilie N, During A. Influence of curing distance on marginal adaptation. Clin Oral Investig. 2011;15(6):851–857.
27. Zorzin J, et al. Polywave LED curing units and marginal adaptation. Dent Mater. 2012;28(10):1101–1107.
28. Ziskind D, et al. Effect of curing mode on enamel and dentin margins. Oper Dent. 2005;30(2):220–225.
29. Celik C, et al. Thermocycling and long-term marginal integrity of restorations. J Adhes Dent. 2006;8(4):241–246.
30. Park J, et al. Influence of placement technique and curing mode on microleakage. Oper Dent. 2008;33(5):550–557.
31. Farias D, et al. Interaction of self-etch adhesives and curing protocols. J Adhes Dent. 2009;11(2):143–150.
32. Arikawa H, et al. Spectral compatibility and polymerization efficiency. Dent Mater J. 2011;30(5):681–687.
33. Ausiello P, et al. Finite element analysis of shrinkage stress in Class V restorations. Dent Mater. 2002;18(5):295–303.
34. Ozel E, Tunlu N. Effect of cavity dimensions on efficacy of soft-start curing. Oper Dent. 2009;34(4):430–437.
35. Moszner N, Salz U. Nanofilled composite resins and curing behavior. Dent Mater. 2007;23(2):115–125.
36. Chung KH, et al. Real-time shrinkage measurement under different curing modes. J Prosthet Dent. 2004;91(3):279–284.
37. Daronch M, et al. Effect of preheating composite resin on marginal adaptation. J Adhes Dent. 2006;8(2):87–93.
38. Calheiros FC, et al. Long-term water storage and marginal integrity. Dent Mater. 2004;20(10):973–980.
39. Van Landuyt KL, et al. Adhesive application technique and curing mode interactions. Dent Mater. 2009;25(9):1101–1108.
40. Nioka M, et al. Relationship between color stability and marginal leakage. Oper Dent. 2010;35(5):572–579.
41. Uhl A, et al. Degree of conversion and marginal adaptation using Raman spectroscopy. Dent Mater. 2011;27(2):127–134.
42. Aravamudhan K, et al. Effect of ceramic thickness on curing efficacy and marginal adaptation. J Prosthet Dent. 2006;95(4):291–296.
43. Campos EA, et al. Bacterial microleakage in Class V restorations. Oper Dent. 2003;28(6):730–735.
44. Asmussen E, Peutzfeldt A. Influence of environmental humidity on polymerization and marginal leakage. Eur J Oral Sci. 2003;111(4):324–328.
45. Flury S, et al. Marginal adaptation of bulk-fill composites under different curing protocols. Dent Mater. 2014;30(9):1042–1051.
46. Tay FR, et al. Nanoleakage evaluation of adhesive interfaces. J Dent Res. 2005;84(10):891–896.
47. Weinmann W, et al. Silorane-based low-shrinkage composite systems. Dent Mater. 2005;21(1):68–74.
48. De Munck J, et al. Long-term durability of adhesive interfaces. J Dent Res. 2005;84(2):118–132.
49. Labella R, et al. Influence of elastic modulus on polymerization stress. Dent Mater. 1999;15(2):128–137.
50. Ferracane JL, et al. Water sorption and degradation of resin composites. J Biomed Mater Res. 2008;86B(2):324–330.