Microleakage of resin composite restorations with glass-ceramic inserts

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of glass-ceramic inserts and different application techniques of resin composites on marginal leakage.

Three groups of 10 standardized, round, Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of 30 extracted human molar teeth. Group 1 received resin composite restorations, placed in one increment (bulk). Group 2 received resin composite restorations that were placed in two increments, and group 3 received resin composite restorations with beta-quartz ceramic inserts. After the teeth were thermocycled and placed in 0.5% basic fuchsin for 24 hours, they were sectioned and examined for microleakage.

On the occlusal margins, there was no statistically significant difference between the restorations placed with the incremental technique and the restorations with beta-quartz inserts. The restorations placed with the bulk technique had significantly more microleakage than did the others. On the gingival margins, the restorations with beta-quartz inserts exhibited significantly less microleakage than did the other groups. The restorations placed with the bulk technique showed significantly more dye penetration than did the others.

The use of a glass-ceramic insert reduced the marginal leakage of Class V resin composite restorations.