A METHOD FOR MICROLEAKAGE EVALUATION ALONG THE DENTIN RESTORATIVE INTERFACE

Purpose: To present a simple non-abrasive protocol in conjunction with the silver-staining method, enabling unobstructed visualization of we ll-defined microleakage patterns within the demineralized dentin-resto rative interface. Materials and Methods: Class V preparations were mad e with an occlusal margin on bevelled enamel and a gingival margin on dentin/cementum. After restoration with All Bond 2/P-50 and Scotchbond 2/Silux, storage in water at 37 degrees C for 7 days and thermocyclin g 300 times between 5 degrees and 55 degrees C, the specimens were pla ced in silver nitrate solution. After silver fixation, demineralizatio n and clearing in methyl salicylate, silver stain location was scored ordinally. In addition, a three dimensional portrait of leakage pathwa ys was illustrated using photographic and computer digitization. Resul ts: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that the extent of silver pen etration before and after acid demineralization was not significantly different (P>0.05). This study also confirmed that microleakage is not uniform along the circumference of a restorative margin. Although the protocol is insensitive to microleakage occurring solely within ename l, the predominant concern over that occurring within dentin, in parti cular along the cervical restorative border, renders it a serviceable alternative for future investigation of the integrity of the marginal seal from clinically restored in vivo specimens.