An In vitro Evaluation of Microleakage Associated with Three Different Compomer Placement Techniques in Primary Molars

BACKGROUND: Microleakage is one of the most frequently encountered problems in posterior tooth-colored restorations. Efforts to decrease this problem with resin restorations include techniques for reducing the ratio of bonded to unbonded restoration surfaces and following strategic incremental placement techniques to reduce residual stress at tooth-restoration interface which reduces the C-factor, hence microleakage. AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate microleakage associated with three placement techniques for compomer restorations in primary molars. DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY: This in vitro experimental study assessed the microleakage associated with bulk-fill, horizontal-incremental, and oblique-incremental compomer placement techniques in primary molars. Ninety specimens were divided into three groups of thirty for each of the placement techniques. RESULTS: Nearly 86.6% of the specimens presented with microleakage involving the entire axial wall and pulpal floor in the bulk-fill group, whereas 56.6% and 46.6% of the specimens in the horizontal-incremental and oblique-incremental groups showed microleakage up to two-third and one-third of the axial walls, respectively. A significant difference in scores was observed between groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Microleakage was observed with all the three techniques but was comparatively lower with the incremental placement techniques. The oblique-incremental technique offered the least microleakage.