REDUCTION OF MICROLEAKAGE IN CLASS-II COMPOSITE RESIN RESTORATIONS USING RETENTIVE PINS

The effect on microleakage of Bondent(R) parapulpal pins used in class II composite resin restorations was evaluated in vitro. Bulk and incr emental packing and polymerization techniques were compared, using pin s anchored at the gingival cavity walls. Evaluation of microleakage wa s carried out following cyclic load application and an extended thermo cycling procedure by the assessment of dye penetration. The results sh owed that the use of pins at the gingival wall of class II composite r esin restorations provided significantly improved marginal sealing. Th is procedure should, therefore, be regarded as an effective clinical p ractice.