[Microleakage in class V cavities restored with esthetic materials, using different restorative techniques]

The purpose of this study was to compare the microleakage of class V cavities restored with composite resin (CR), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and polyacid-modified resin composite (PAMRC), using different clinical procedures. Thirty-six noncarious human molars were used in this study. A class V cavity, measuring approximately 3 mm x 4 mm x 2 mm, was prepared in each tooth in both buccal and lingual aspects, with a diamond bur (number 1,093) at high speed, with coolant water spray. The occlusal margin was located on enamel and the gingival margin was located on dentin. The teeth were divided into 9 groups with 8 specimens each. The cavities were restored according to different techniques. The specimens from groups 1, 2, 4 and 5 did not receive acid etching. The samples were stored in water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours, subjected to occlusal load, thermocycled and immersed in rhodamine B. The restorations were then washed and sectioned in buccolingual direction. The depth of dye penetration was scored from zero (no leakage) to 3 (maximum leakage). The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed statistically significant differences between the materials (p < 0.05). PAMRC used without acid etching showed the greatest score of leakage in both margins. In the gingival margin, CR showed scores of leakage lower than those of PAMRC and RMGIC. Additional retentions and acid etching were able to decrease microleakage in PAMRC restorations in both gingival and occlusal margins.