Dyract compomer: comparison of total etch vs. no etch technique

Different dental materials and methods can influence the integrity of the marginal seal of restorations. To evaluate the microleakage of Dyract AP Light Cured Compomer, a polyacid modified resin (Caulk), using etched and unetched techniques, standardized trapezoidal Class V restorations were placed on facial or lingual surfaces of 20 human molars with the gingival margin in the cementum. Each restoration was scored at the cervical by two independent, double blinded operators, with reference to the DEJ, for dye penetration on a ranking system of: 0 = no evidence of dye penetration; 1 = dye penetration up to one-half the distance to the axial wall; 2 = dye penetration beyond one-half the distance to the axial wall but short of the axial wall; 3 = dye penetration to the axial wall or beyond. Statistical analysis (Fisher Exact Test) indicated that the etched compomer demonstrated significantly less microleakage when compared to the unetched compomer (p < 0.05).