Assessment of Microleakage of Three Restorative Materials in Class V Cavities. An in Vitro Study

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the marginal microleakage in class V cavities restored with three different restorative materials using dye penetration scoring system.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Dental Clinic laboratory, Juma building research laboratory, and Multidisciplinary laboratory, The Aga Khan University, Karachi for a period of six months from April 2008 to September 2008.

Materials and Methods: One hundered and fifty extracted premolars were randomly selected. Standardized class V cavities were prepared and then divided into three equal groups: Group I was restored with composite resin, Group II with glass ionomer cement and group III with resin modified glass ionomers. They were then subjected to thermocycling, immersed in 2% methylene blue dye, sectioned and examined under dissection microscope. Dye penetration for each section was recorded and data was analyzed.

Results: Lowest leakage was found in Group I (composite resin) and maximum in Group II (conventional glass ionomer). Microleakage at gingival margins was significantly more than that at occlusal margins in all groups.

Conclusion: Composite resins and resin modified glass ionomers provide a better seal than glass ionomers in class V cavities. All materials show more microleakage at gingival margins as compared to occlusal margins