In vitro study on using flowable composite for reattachment of tooth fragment
Keywords:
Tooth fragment reattachment, flowable composite, universal adhesive, bond strength, in vitro study.Abstract
Background
Tooth fractures are common dental injuries, and fragment reattachment is a minimally invasive and aesthetic option for their management. Flowable composites have been increasingly explored for this purpose due to their ease of application and bonding efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of flowable composites in reattaching tooth fragments using an in vitro model.
Materials and Methods
Thirty freshly extracted, intact human maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into three groups (n=10) based on the adhesive strategy employed: Group A (etch-and-rinse), Group B (self-etch), and Group C (universal adhesive). Standardized oblique fractures were created using a diamond disc, and fragments were reattached using flowable composite. Bond strength was assessed using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until failure. The failure modes were analyzed under a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test (p < 0.05).
Results The mean bond strength values (in MPa) were as follows: Group A (22.4 ± 2.8), Group B (19.7 ± 3.1), and Group C (25.1 ± 2.3). Group C demonstrated significantly higher bond strength compared to Groups A and B (p < 0.05). Failure analysis revealed a higher incidence of cohesive failures in Group C, suggesting superior adhesive performance of the universal adhesive strategy with flowable composite.
Conclusion
The use of flowable composite for tooth fragment reattachment demonstrated promising bond strength, particularly when combined with a universal adhesive system. This approach offers a reliable, aesthetic, and conservative solution for managing tooth fractures in clinical practice. Further clinical studies are recommended to validate these findings.
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References
Andreasen JO, Andreasen FM. Textbook and color atlas of traumatic injuries to the teeth. 4th ed. Oxford: Blackwell Munksgaard; 2007.
Glendor U. Epidemiology of traumatic dental injuries–a 12 year review. Dent Traumatol. 2008;24(1):2–11.
Van Meerbeek B, Yoshihara K, Yoshida Y, et al. State of the art of self-etch adhesives. Dent Mater. 2011;27(1):17–28.
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