In vitro sealing ability of dentin bonding agents and cavity varnish with amalgam as retrofills

The aim of this study was to test the effect on the seal produced by an amalgam retrofill of two dentin bonding agents (Amalgambond and All-Bond) and a cavity varnish (Copalite). The three materials were tested when placed before the retrofill (group I) and before and after the retrofill (group II). Ninety teeth distributed into three groups were prepared for the retrofilling. Each group was divided into subgroups of I and II. Linear apical leakage was measured by a stereomicroscope after 1 month in dye. All materials permitted dye leakage around the retrofill, regardless of the application type. No statistical difference was found between the Amalgambond subgroups or between the All-Bond subgroups. There was less leakage in varnish group I than group II. Amalgambond group I leaked significantly less than All-Bond group I.