Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage in Composite Restorations Using Different Adhesive Systems

Background: Microleakage is a main challenge to durability and clinical success of a resin composite restoration. It can cause sensitivity after operation, secondary caries and ultimately restorative failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the level of microleakage in composite restorations of Class V with three types of adhesive systems total-etch, self-etch and universal adhesive. Methods: The study was a randomized in-vitro experimental one, which was carried out between January and April 2025, in the Operative Dentistry Department in the XYZ Dental College. A sample size was obtained where ninety non-carious human extracted premolars was sampled and evenly separated into three groups (n=30). The total-etch adhesive was applied in Group A, self-etch adhesive in Group B and universal adhesive system in Group C. Composite resin was sealed on standardized Class V cavities, thermocycled and immersed in 2 percent methylene blue dye overnight. Due to penetration of dye under stereomicroscope, microleakage was assessed. The analysis of data was done with SPSS version 26.0. The One-way ANOVA and post hoc (Tukey) tests were used (p < 0.05). Results: In Group A (total-etch), there was a significantly lower mean microleakage score (0.87 + 0.56) as compared to the score of Group B (1.80 + 0.70) and Group C (1.27 + 0.61) with a significant difference (p = 0.002), which indicated as best sealers. Conclusion: Better sealing at the margins was demonstrated by total-etch adhesive system. These results should be assessed in future clinical trials in oral conditions.