Marginal leakage of compacted gold, composite resin, and high-copper amalgam restorations

Amalgam and compacted gold were found to have the least marginal leakage in Class V cavities. Composite resin with acid etching performed at an acceptable level. Without acid etching the marginal seal was unsatisfactory. The following conclusions can be drawn: 1. High-copper amalgam and compacted gold are the materials of choice for Class V restorations when esthetics are not of primary concern. 2. If composite resins are to be used, they should be placed with an acid-etch technique.