The influence of matrix use on microleakage in Class 5 glass-ionomer restorations

This in vitro study examined the relationship of matrix use to microleakage in class 5 Ketal-Fil glass-ionomer restorations. Class 5 glass-ionomer restorations were placed on the facial and lingual surfaces of 40 extracted human molars. The occlusal margin was located on enamel, and the cervical margin was located on cementum or dentin. Each tooth had one restoration placed with and without the aid of a soft metal matrix. Specimens were thermocycled (1234 cycles, 6 degrees C -60 degrees C, 30-second dwell time) and immersed in 5% methylene blue dye for four hours. The teeth were sectioned occlusogingivally through the center of each restoration, viewed with an optical microscope (X10), and each restoration was scored for dye penetration around the cavity walls. The enamel and cementum margins were scored separately for the extent of marginal leakage. No difference in leakage was found between restorations placed with or without a matrix (P > 0.05). Enamel restorations leaked significantly less than nonenamel margins, regardless of matrix use (P > 0.05).