Comparative Evaluation of Four Composite Materials for Their Radiographic Densities

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic density of four different composite-resin materials via analysis of digital radiography

Methods: Four materials were analyzed: (1) Clearfil Majesty (Kuraray medical Inc), (2) Amelogen Plus (Ultradent), (3) Filtek P60 (3M ESPE) and (4) Clear Incisal Smile (Pentron). Specimens of all four composite material measuring 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm thickness were radiographed along with the Aluminum 1100 step-wedge using Schick CDR digital sensor. Mean grey value and mean integrated density of the each specimen were obtained with the help of Image J software. This data were compared to the mean grey value and mean integrated density of the Aluminum 1100 step-wedge at different thickness. 

Results: The ANOVA (F=429.5, df=3,20, p<0.0001) indicates that at least one material mean differs statistically from the others. A post-hoc pair-wise comparison analysis shows that there are statistically significant differences among all possible pairs of materials. The decreasing value of integrated density and Gray Value of the studied four composite materials in this study, expressed in millimeters of Aluminum 1100 step wedge equivalent were: FiltekP60 (6.69mm), Amelogen (4.57mm), Clear Incisal (3.79mm) and Clearfil Majesty (2.32mm).

Conclusions: For any filling materials, radiopacity is important property in diagnosis of overhanging restoration and finding secondary caries underneath previously filled teeth. This study shows that we can clearly differentiate FiltekP60 from tooth structures and other filling material because of its high gray value and integrated density value. Whereas Clearfil Majesty is difficult to differentiate from tooth structure compared to other composite material used in this study.