Effect of axial load and temperature cycling on microleakage of resin restorations

This study evaluated the microleakage of Class V resin restorations subjected to temperature and axial load cyclings. The preparations were made at the mesial and distal aspects of 29 mandibular first and second molars. The enamel margins were beveled, acid etched, washed and dried. Kerr XR Bonding System was applied to the dentin and etched enamel and Herculite composite cured in two increments. The teeth were stored in saline for 7 days, thermocycled x500 in 0.5% basic fuchsin between 8 degrees C and 50 degrees C (A); subjected to an occlusal load of 34 MPa in the dye without thermocycling (B); or followed by thermocycling (C). The leakage was scored from 0 to 4 at both the enamel and cementum aspects of the restorations. The data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test. The microstrain of five restored teeth subjected to an occlusal load of 34 MPa was measured. Microleakage of the mesial restorations was significantly greater at the cementum aspects of the restorations subjected to both temperature and occlusal loading when compared to the restorations subjected to temperature cycling or load cycling only. The microstrain in eight of the 10 restorations was significantly greater at the cementum aspects of the restorations than at the enamel aspects.