Marginal Microleakage of Glass Ionomer-Based Restorations After Conventional Cavity Preparation and Er: YAG Laser Irradiation

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the microleakage of glass ionomer restorations (GIC) in Class V cavities prepared with both conventional and Er: YAG laser techniques. Methods: Twenty teeth were used. Standard Class V cavities (4mm wide,3m high,3mm deep) were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of teeth. All teeth were randomly divided into four groups. In Groups II and IV, cavities were prepared by Er: YAG laser, and in Groups I and III cavities were conventionally prepared with a diamond bur. Groups I and II were then restored with conventional GIC (Ketac,3MEspe, U.S.A.).Groups III and IV were restored with high viscosity GIC with resin coating (EQUIA, GC, Tokyo, Japan). Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24h. Teeth were then subjected to thermo-cycling (500 cycles,5°C-55°C). All teeth were exposed to 50.000 cycles in a chewing simulator. Specimens were stained with 0.5% aqueous basic fuchsin dye and sectioned buccolingually. Dye penetration was scored under a stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis One-Way ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: While the highest microleakage scores were observed in the group prepared with Er: YAG laser and restored with conventional GIC the lowest microleakage scores were observed in the group prepared with Er: YAG laser and restored with high viscosity GIC. When cavities prepared with Er: YAG laser or conventional method were restored with high viscosity GIC, no statistically significant difference was found between them (p> 0.05). Conclusion: High viscosity GIC can be preferred as a restorative material in the restorations of Class V cavities prepared using both conventional and Er: YAG lasers.