The effects of dentine bonding agents on marginal leakage of composite restorations

The aim of this study was to compare the effects upon marginal leakage of a number of dentine bonding agents: Gluma, Scotchbond, Topaz and an experimental material when used with a posterior composite resin, Occlusin. The results were also compared with composite used without a dentine bonding agent and with a glass ionomer, Chemfil II. Class V cavities with or without a bevelled cavo-surface margin were prepared in the buccal surfaces of extracted premolar teeth. Following restoration, the teeth were stored for periods of up to 3 months and then thermally cycled. Marginal leakage was subsequently determined using a radioactive isotope containing 45Ca, and an autoradiographic technique. Image analysis was used to determine the total amount of linear leakage for each specimen. The results showed that some leakage occurred for all materials at each time interval. The bevelled design of cavity allowed significantly less leakage than the non-bevelled type. The use of dentine bonding agents did not improve the marginal seal of the composite restorations, and the glass ionomer restorations showed significantly less leakage than the composite resin and dentine bonding agent combinations.