Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Ozone, Diode Laser, and Traditional Cavity Disinfectants on Microleakage

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects on microleakage of the application of ozone gas, laser and traditional cavity disinfection under in vitro conditions. Material and Methods: Ninety third-molar teeth extracted for various reasons were used in this study. All the teeth were prepared with a standard V cavity on the buccal surface. Then the teeth were randomly allocated to one of 6 groups of 15 teeth; Group 1 benzalkonium chloride, Group 2 chlorhexidine gluconate, Group 3 sodium hypochloride, Group 4 diode laser, Group 5 ozone gas, Group 6 control group- no disinfection was applied. Primer was applied to the cavities, then bond and 10-s polymerization. Clearfil AP-X was used in the cavities as a hybrid composite and polymerized for 20 s. The samples then underwent 1000 thermal cycles of 30-s application, in baths at temperatures between 5 +/- 2 degrees C and 55 +/- 2 degrees C. All the samples were stirred in 0.5% basic phuxine solution and the sections taken under stereomicroscope were examined and photographed at 15 x magnification. SEM analysis was made and the obtained results were statistically evaluated with the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: No significant difference was seen between the groups in respect of the microleakage values of both the occlusal and gingival edges (p < 0.05). Comparison of the microleakage values of the occlusal and gingival edges of the groups determined the least leakage to be in the ozone group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: No statistical significance was determined between the groups. However, the mean least microleakage was found in the ozone group and the highest amount in the control group.