Influence of Age and Etching Technique on the Microleakage in Class-V Composite Restorations: An In-vitro Study

Aim: The objective of current research was to evaluate the impact of patient’s age on the microleakage in Class-V composite restorations.

Study Design: Research article.

Methodology: 30 permanent human molars from various age groups (n=10 each) were collected. The teeth were categorized based on age, Group I (less than 30 years), Group II (30-50 years), and Group III (more than 50 years), standardized Class-V tooth preparations were prepared. Subsequently, each group has further two subgroups: selective enamel etching (Sb A) and self-etching (Sb B), using universal adhesive (3M single bond). Following this, restoration of teeth were done using Z350 composite, and microleakage was analysed by dye penetration method via stereomicroscope and corresponding scoring were recorded. Mann- Whitney Test and Kruskal- Wallis Test was done for statistical analysis.

Results: The group III subgroup A and B showed highest microleakage (2.40 and 2.80) followed by group II (1.20 and 1.60) and least in group I (0.40 and 0.80) respectively (P<.005). Therefore, more microleakage was seen with self-etch group as compare to selective etch.

Conclusion: Influence of age of patient had significant impact on Class-V restorations. Also, more microleakage was observed in self-etch group as compared to that of selective etch technique.