title: A method for microleakage evaluation along the dentin/restorative interface.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present a simple non-abrasive protocol in conjunction with the silver-staining method, enabling unobstructed visualization of well-defined microleakage patterns within the demineralized dentin-restorative interface.
  
  
  METHODS
  Class V preparations were made with an occlusal margin on bevelled enamel and a gingival margin on dentin/cementum. After restoration with All Bond 2/P-50 and Scotchbond 2/Silux, storage in water at 37 degrees C for 7 days and thermocycling 300 times between 5 degrees and 55 degrees C, the specimens were placed in silver nitrate solution. After silver fixation, demineralization and clearing in methyl salicylate, silver stain location was scored ordinally. In addition, a three dimensional portrait of leakage pathways was illustrated using photographic and computer digitization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that the extent of silver penetration before and after acid demineralization was not significantly different (P > 0.05). This study also confirmed that microleakage is not uniform along the circumference of a restorative margin. Although the protocol is insensitive to microleakage occurring solely within enamel, the predominant concern over that occurring within dentin, in particular along the cervical restorative border, renders it a serviceable alternative for future investigation of the integrity of the marginal seal from clinically restored in vivo specimens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: F R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Tay
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Pang
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Gwinnett
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Wei
mesh_terms: D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D001641:Bicuspid; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; D003188:Composite Resins; D003648:Decalcification Technique; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003804:Dentin; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents; D006801:Humans; D008689:Methacrylates; D008964:Molar, Third; D019279:Resin Cements; D016622:Silver Staining; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014092:Tooth Root
chemical_list: C074864:All-Bond system; D003188:Composite Resins; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents; D008689:Methacrylates; D019279:Resin Cements; C065771:P50 composite resin; C067788:scotchbond 2; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate