Leakage testing for different adhesive systems and composites to permanent teeth

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry
• Adhesive Dentistry

Background:

• Microleakage is a critical factor in the longevity of dental restorations.
• Evaluating different adhesive systems and composite materials is essential for improving clinical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the microleakage of various adhesive systems when used with flowable and bulk-fill composites in permanent teeth.
• To determine the most effective combination of adhesive and composite for minimizing microleakage.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-four human premolar teeth underwent Class V cavity preparation.
• Teeth were divided into six groups, each using a specific combination of etch-rinse or self-etch (SE) adhesives and flowable or bulk-fill composites.
• Microleakage was assessed using dye penetration after thermocycling.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences in microleakage were observed among the groups (P < 0.05).
• Etch-rinse adhesive with flowable composite showed significantly higher microleakage than most other groups.
• The two-stage SE adhesive combined with bulk-fill composite exhibited the lowest microleakage, significantly outperforming other combinations.

Conclusions:

• Total etch adhesive systems are associated with increased microleakage in permanent teeth restorations.
• Two-stage self-etch adhesive systems, particularly with bulk-fill composites, provide superior marginal integrity and reduced microleakage.