Comparative evaluation of microleakage in class II composite resin restorations using fluid filtration and dye extraction techniques

Use of an adhesive with a suitable composite resin is an important factor in tooth-colored restorations and increasing marginal sealing ability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microleakage of various adhesives with composite resins using fluid filtration and dye extraction techniques and assessment of the correlation between these two techniques. In this in vitro study, class II cavities were prepared on the proximal surfaces of 48 extracted sound human premolar teeth, measuring 1.5±0.5 mm in gingival width, 4 mm in occluso-gingival height and 1/3 of the inter-cuspal distance in width. The samples were divided into four groups (n=12). Group 1; OptiBond Solo Plus adhesive/Herculite XRV composite resin; Group 2: OptiBond Solo Plus adhesive/Master Dent composite resin; Group 3: Prime & Bond NT adhesive/Herculite XRV composite resin; Group 4: Prime & Bond NT adhesive/Master Dent composite resin. Microleakage was assessed primarily by fluid filtration and then by dye extraction techniques. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, with Bonferroni correction and Spearman's rho correlation test at 95% confidence interval. The minimum and maximum mean microleakage values were recorded in fluid filtration and dye extraction techniques groups 1 and 4, respectively. There were significant differences between the experimental groups in microleakage with the two methods of leakage assessment (p value = 0.001). Spearman's rho revealed a strongly direct correlation between the two methods (r = 0.797, p value = 0.000). In both methods of microleakage assessment, use of ethanol-based in comparison to acetone-based adhesive resulted in microleakage reduction. Application of light-cured composite resin contrary to self-cured composite resin with both types of adhesives increased marginal sealing ability.