Microleakage of class V resin composites using various self-etching adhesives: an in vitro study

Microleakage has been identified as a significant problem with composite restorations because of interfacial gap formation which can result in tooth discoloration, recurrent caries, possible pulpal involvement and restoration replacement. Aim of this study is to evaluate the microleakage of self-etch adhesive system at the coronal and apical margins of class V resin composite restorations under stereomicroscope at 20× magnification.

Class V cavities were prepared on the facial surfaces of 48 human premolars with coronal margins located in enamel and apical margins located in dentin. Teeth were divided into four groups: Group one-Xeno V; group two- G-Bond; group three-Clearfil S(3) Bond; group four-control. After application of bonding agent and restoration, the teeth were subjected to thermocycling. The teeth were then immersed in 1% aqueous solution of methylene blue dye for 24 hours and sectioned to allow the assessment of microleakage under microscope.

Coronal and apical margins were scored separately using a 0-3 ordinal ranking system and the recorded values were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann- Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Statistical analysis showed that there was less microleakage in Xeno V at coronal region and Clearfil S(3) Bond in apical region, overall Clearfil S(3) Bond showed less marginal permeability in both coronal and apical regions.

Specimens restored with the Xeno V and Clearfil S(3) Bond adhesive systems revealed reduced leakage at the coronal margin. At the apical margin, Xeno V showed greater leakage than the other groups, except the control.

In class V restorations restored with composite resin, the choice of material affects the microleakage and retention of the restoration. This study theorizes that the self-etch adhesives show less microleakage in the coronal area than the apical margin.