Hardness gradients of dual-polymerized flowable composite resins in simulated root canals.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Information is lacking of the polymerization depth of dual-polymerized flowable composite resin foundation materials in simulated root canals. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the hardness gradients and the polymerization depth of dual-polymerized flowable composite resin foundation materials in simulated root canals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Slots in steel split cylinders with 1 open end were filled with the following 6 materials: Luxa Core, Para Core, Clearfil DC Core, Multi Core Flow, Gradia Core, and Core-Flo DC. After filling, they were subjected to a light intensity of 1250 mWcm(-2) with a light-emitting diode light through their open ends for 20 seconds. The resulting specimens were stored in a light-proof box at 37°C, and the Knoop hardness gradients of each polymerized material were measured after 0.5 hour, 24 hours, and 120 hours. The surface readings were obtained in 1-mm intervals at 1 mm to 10 mm away from the open ends. The collected data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and the Student-Newman-Keuls test (α=.05). RESULTS: Before the Knoop hardness numbers of the 6 materials became stable, they decreased gradually in depth at each time point (P<.001). However, the depths at which they became stable differed. The Knoop hardness numbers of Luxa Core and Core-Flo DC reached stability at a depth of 3 mm, Para Core at 4 mm, and Clearfil DC Core, Multi Core Flow, and Gradia Core at 5 mm. Additionally, at 120 hours after exposure, the ratios of the Knoop hardness numbers at a depth of 5 mm to those at 1 mm were 63.08% for Luxa Core, 70.48% for Clearfil DC Core, 81.38% for Para Core, 80.49% for Gradia Core, 86.30% for Multi Core Flow, and 96.28% for Core-Flo DC. CONCLUSIONS: In simulated root canals, the flowable composite resin foundation materials tested had better polymerization under dual polymerizing than under chemical polymerizing, and their chemical-polymerized capabilities could determine the definitive polymerization depth.