Apatite forming ability and gingival marginal adaptation of two bioactive bulk fill composite restorative materials (An invitro comparative study)

Objective: This study's goal was to assess the apatite forming ability and marginal adaptation of two bioactive bulkfill restorative materials in Cl. II cavities after storage in PBS. Methods: Sixteen sound molars with nearly equivalent occlusal size were planted in PVC tube, then divided into four groups (n=4) based on restorative material types. Each tooth received two separated MO and DO cavities preparation; cavities restorations; and thermocycling then stored for 28 days in PBS. After that all teeth samples were sent for FESEM/EDX analyses. Statistical analyses were being done using One-Way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range test to evaluate and compare the results at 5% significant level. Result: According to the study, there was a statistically significant difference at (P≤0.05) among the groups in the term of gaps width formation in µm at restorative materials-gingival enamel margin interfaces. Group B: ever X Posterior represented the highest mean of gaps width (13.05 ± 3.68) while group A: Tetric powerFill represented the lowest mean of gap width (6.50 ± 1.61) followed by group C: Cention N (7.50 ± 1.09) and group D: Predicta bioactive (7.86 ± 1.22). The FESEM images for bioactive materials represented the apatite deposition and these results were confirmed with the EDX compositional elements analytical results. Conclusion: The gingival marginal adaptation of Cl. II cavities can be affected by the composition and the properties of the restorative materials used. The bioactive restorative materials considered as promising material with clinical beneficial effect.