RESUMEN
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Microleakage at the occlusal and gingival margin of Class V cavities restored with composite resin has traditionally been considered an obstacle to successful restoration. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of three different surface sealants(Fortify, Permaseal and Biscover LV) on the marginal sealing of Class V light-activated composite resin restorations(Z250). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty noncarious human premolars and molars extracted within a three-month period were selected. Class V cavities with the occlusal margin in enamel and gingival margin in cementum were prepared in both buccal and lingual surfaces. The teeth, randomly assigned in four groups with twenty cavities in each group, were restored with composite resin after applying an adhesive system(Clearfil SE bond). After the finishing and polishing procedures, the restorations were covered with a specific surface sealants, except for the control samples, which were not sealed. After placing restorations, the specimens were thermocycled, and immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution for twenty four hours and sectioned longitudinally. The marginal microleakage was evaluated at the occlusal and gingival interfaces using a microscope and compared among the four groups using ANOVA test and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test(alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that there was significantly less leakage when the surface sealants were used than there was in control group (P .05). CONCLUSION: Application of surface sealants was an effective method of surface coating in reducing microleakage at occlusal and gingival margins of Class V composite resin restorations. However, it is certain that some microleakage still occurred despite the application of surface sealants, especially gingival margins.