Comparison of Microleakage of Cention N and a Bulk-Fill Composite Resin in Restoring Deciduous Teeth: An In Vitro Study

Background: Pediatric dentists prefer restorative materials with a high bond strength and fewer clinical stages. Cention N can be used in the bulk technique. It can release fluoride ions, calcium, and hydroxide. This study compared the microleakage of two types of composite resins, namely, Cention N and Tetric N-Ceram bulk-fill composite resin, in class II restorations (box only) of deciduous teeth. Methods: In this experimental investigation, 50 class II restorations (box only) were prepared in extracted deciduous second molars. Then, the teeth were divided into two groups based on their restorative materials. The first and second groups were restored with Cention N and bulk-fill Tetric N-Ceram composite resins, respectively. The Tetric N bond adhesive was used before placing the restorative materials in both groups. The samples were cut and investigated under a stereomicroscope to determine microleakage after thermocycling and staining with silver nitrate. Two samples from each group were prepared for observation under an electron microscope. Then, the data were analyzed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. Results: The mean percentage of dye penetration into the gingival wall was not significantly different between the two groups under investigation. Conclusion: Using Cention N with adhesive yielded favorable results in terms of microleakage, and it is recommended for class II restorations in deciduous molars.