Evaluation of changes in cavity dimensions after removal of composite resin with Polysiloxane Elastomeric and Digital Impression Methods: An In-Vitro study

This study aims to evaluate the changes in cavity dimensions before and after composite removal using elastomeric and digital impression methods. A total of twenty Class I cavities were prepared in mandibular molar teeth. Cavity dimensions were measured using casts made from elastomeric impressions and digital impressions obtained with an intraoral scanner. The prepared cavities were then restored with composite. After composite removal using round burs, the dimensions were remeasured from casts made with elastomeric impressions and digital impressions and compared to the original cavity dimensions before composite placement. Cavity width increased after composite removal at the mesial side, central fissure, and distal side. However, the increase was statistically significant only at the central fissure and distal side. In terms of cavity depth, a slight decrease was observed at the mesial and distal sides due to residual composite left unintentionally during removal, though this change was not statistically significant. The digital intraoral scanner demonstrated accuracy in recording cavity dimensions compared to polyvinyl siloxane elastomeric impression material. However, a statistically significant difference was observed only in cavity width at the central fissure and distal side. Key Words Class I cavity, Polysiloxane elastomeric impression material, 3-D digital scanner