A technique for three-dimensional microleakage assessment using tooth sections

Microleakage is commonly assessed using restored teeth, sectioned through the midline of the restoration. It is impossible to determine if this is representative of the leakage throughout the whole tooth. This pilot study examined the feasibility of calculating areas and volumes of leakage using serial sections of restored teeth which had been subjected to dye immersion and image analysis. Using the sections, perspex models of the teeth were constructed to present the pattern of the dye leakage into dentine. This appears to be a viable technique for the three-dimensional assessment of microleakage.