Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage in Class V Cavities Restored with Various Restorative Materials Using CLSM - An in Vitro Study

Abstract Background: Microleakage is a major reason of restoration failure, leading to postoperative sensitivity and secondary caries. Modified glass ionomer cements are routinely used to minimize microleakage and postoperative sensitivity in class V cavities. Aim: This study aims at the evaluation and comparison of microleakage in Class V cavity restorations done with Conventional, Resin modified (RMGIC), Zirconia reinforced and Ceramic reinforced glass ionomer cements. Materials and Methods: A total of 56 maxillary premolars were collected and class V cavities had been made on the buccal surface, 1 mm just above the junction of cementum and enamel (CEJ). All cavities received surface pre-treatment in accordance with currently accepted protocol and had been categorized into 4 groups on the basis of material employed for restoration: Group-A (Conventional GIC), Group-B (RMGIC), Group-C (Zirconomer improved) and Group-D (Amalgomer CR). All samples underwent 500 cycles of thermocycling following finishing and polishing of restoration. Samples were cut bucco-lingually which was immersed in 0.5% Rhodamine B dye and microleakage was assessed using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). Statistical Analysis: One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s Post Hoc test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Microleakage in Group B samples was significantly less (p<0.05) than Group C and D. Group A and B have shown no statistically significant difference between them. Conclusion: All restorative materials tested showed microleakage to an extent. RMGIC demonstrated least microleakage whereas Amalgomer CR showed highest microleakage among four groups.