[Comparative study of microleakage in class V restorations]

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Class V cavities prepared at the cementoenamel junction present challenges for restorative material sealing.
• Evaluating the marginal integrity of various restorative materials is crucial for long-term clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the laboratory performance of dentin-bonding agents, glass ionomer cements, and compomers in sealing gingival margins of Class V cavities.
• To assess the microleakage associated with different restorative material combinations.

Main Methods:

• Standardized Class V cavities were prepared on extracted human molars.
• Cavities were restored with four different material combinations: Vitremer, Vitremer/Syntac Sprint/Tetric Ceram, Syntac Sprint/Tetric Ceram, and Prime & Bond 2.1/Variglass.
• Specimens underwent thermocycling and were analyzed for gingival margin microleakage using methylene blue dye.

Main Results:

• Vitremer exhibited significantly better gingival margin sealing compared to the Prime & Bond 2.1/Variglass system (p = 0.05).
• No significant differences in sealing performance were observed between the other material groups.
• The study identified Vitremer as a superior material for gingival margin sealing under the tested conditions.

Conclusions:

• Vitremer demonstrated superior performance in sealing gingival margins of Class V cavities compared to the Prime & Bond 2.1/Variglass system.
• The findings suggest that material selection plays a significant role in achieving effective marginal seal in restorative dentistry.
• Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm these laboratory findings.