RESUMO
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although they are widely available, there is insufficient information about the capability of self-etching adhesives in sealing the margins of resin composite restorations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the in vitro microleakage of Class V resin composite restorations placed using a strong pH self-etching adhesive, an intermediate pH self-etching adhesive, and an adhesive with a separate etchant and primer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Class V resin composite restorations (n = 8) were placed in prepared cavities in extracted human third molars using 2 self-etching dentin adhesives, Prompt L-Pop (Strong pH) or One-Up Bond F (Intermediate pH), and an adhesive with a separate etchant and primer, ScotchBond Multi-Purpose. The restored teeth received 1000 thermal cycles between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C water baths with a 1-minute dwell time and were subsequently subjected to a methylene blue dye challenge and sectioned. The sectioned specimens were scored as demonstrating none, slight, or severe leakage (n=16). Ranked data were analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance at a 5% confidence level. RESULTS: The only leakage observed was along gingival margins, with an incidence of 31% for Prompt L-Pop and One-Up Bond F, and 50% for ScotchBond Multi-Purpose. CONCLUSION: No significant differences in marginal leakage were found among the adhesives tested.