Application of chlorhexidine, fluoride and artificial saliva during radiotherapy: an in vitro study of microleakage in Class V restorations

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on microleakage in Class V restorations of daily applications of artificial saliva, fluoride mouthrinses and chlorhexidine to irradiated bovine teeth. Methods Class V cavities were created in 60 bovine teeth. The teeth were divided randomly into two groups: the first group (n = 30) was subjected to radiotherapy until the teeth had received a total accumulated dose of 60 Gy; the second group (n = 30) was used as a control group. Both groups were divided into three subgroups (n = 10): in Group A teeth were submerged in Xeros Dentaid ® artificial saliva; Group B teeth were submerged in a solution of 1% amine fluoride; Group C teeth were submerged in 0.12% chlorhexidine. All treatments were applied three times a day for six weeks. Afterwards microleakage into the composite restorations was measured using MIP 4 image software. Results It was seen that radiation caused increases in microleakage in composite restorations. Statistically significant differences were found in the artificial saliva group (p = 0.013) and the chlorhexidine group (p = 0.023). Conclusions Microleakage in composite restorations was greater among radiated teeth.