In vivo evaluation of gingival tissue reaction to composite resin restoration - a pilot study

Composite cements are extensively used to treat crown and dental neck defect. One of the most important problem to know the successful usability of these materials almost in the coronal part of dental root. No information exists about the behavior of human gingival tissue close to these kind of materials. This study analyzes the reaction of the human gingival to composite build up performed in the dental neck area and the coronal part of the dental root. In 8 healthy patients with almost one tooth jeopardized at the neck/root zone and requiring endodontic detoxification therapy, and after crown lengthening surgical procedure to restore the physiological length of the biological space, composite build up (Esthet. X®) was necessary to ensure marginal tissue stability and secure dental dam apposition. During the crown lengthening, 3 months after the Esthet.X® build up, the econdary flap was harvested, fixed in buffered 4% paraformaldeyde, ethanol dehydrated and methyl methacrylate embedded. Three micron section were obtained from biopsies and the intensity of inflammation was evaluated after Gomori trichrome or hematoxilyn-eosin stain using a grade scale. The corion showed an uneven distribution of inflammatory cells, both in gingival close to the Esthet. X® restored portion and the tooth hard tissues. The inflammation grade varied from severe to weak. The statistical analysis performed using the Mann-Whitney test did not show any significant difference in the gingival tissue close to the restoration or hard tissue surface. Within the limitations of this pilot study, the results seem to indicate that use of this kind of composite does not so much greatly alter the gingival tissue, as the patient’s lifestyle or dental hygiene.