Analysis of marginal microleakage of class V cavities restored with different adhesive techniques

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different bonding techniques using a universal adhesive system in class V cavities, in conjunction with a Bulk Fill composite resin. A total of sixty class V cavities were prepared and divided into three groups based on the adhesive technique: Conventional (CV), Selective Enamel Etching (CSE), and No Acid Etching (SCA). The cavities were then restored using a Bulk Fill composite resin. Half of the specimens were stored at 37ºC for 24 hours, while the other half were immersed in an ethanol/water solution for 30 days. Following each storage period, the teeth were sealed with two layers of red enamel, leaving a 1 mm margin around the restorations unsealed, and then immersed in a 0.05% basic fuchsin solution for 24 hours. The teeth were subsequently sectioned longitudinally and analyzed for the degree of microleakage by three calibrated evaluators. Data analysis was performed using the Jamovi 2.2.5 software, applying the Kruskal-Wallis test with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The results indicated no significant differences in microleakage among the different groups. The study concludes that the choice of adhesive technique, whether evaluated at 24 hours or 30 days, does not significantly impact the degree of marginal microleakage in class V cavities restored with Bulk Fill composite resin. The use of different adhesive techniques, in the periods of 24h and 30 days, does not interfere with the degree of marginal microleakage.