Comparative evaluation of sealing ability of two self-adhesive flowable composites following various restorative techniques in Class V lesions: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Self- adhesive flowable composite (SAFC) has been introduced to eliminate etching and bonding procedures. However, they have shown increased microleakage and poor bonding ability when used as per the manufacturer's instructions. It is unclear if prerestorative techniques can improve the same. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acid etching, bevel placement and air abrasion on the marginal sealing ability of SAFCs when used in Class V restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 56 human mandibular premolars were taken and standard Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal aspect. They were divided into 4 groups comprising of control and three restorative techniques. Group A: SAFC used alone formed the control group, Group B: Acid-etched using 37.5% phosphoric acid gel, Group C: 1 mm bevel placed on the occlusal margin, Group D: Subjected to air abrasion. Each group was further subdivided into two, with one half being restored with Dyad flow (Kerr) while the remaining with Constic (DMG). The samples were thermocycled and the dye extraction method was used to assess microleakage using ultraviolet spectrophotometer. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Microleakage values were subjected to analysis of variance and post hoc analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in the absorbance values were seen between the two SAFCs. Results with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. For Dyad flow, there was a statistically significant difference between Groups B and D (P = 0.028), while for Constic, it was between Groups A and B (P = 0.031) and Groups B and D (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Among restorative techniques, air abrasion showed the least microleakage, while acid etching showed the highest values. Among the two SAFCs, Constic presented lower microleakage than Dyad Flow.