Microleakage evaluation of restorations prepared with air abrasion.

PURPOSE The objective of this in-vitro study was to measure and compare microleakage around preventive resin restorations prepared conventionally or with air abrasion, in the presence or absence of acid etching. METHODS One hundred extracted human non carious molars were assigned to each of four groups. Group A: fissures opened with a high speed handpiece, etched, and restored with composite and sealant. Group B: fissures opened with KCP 1000 and restored with composite and sealant. Group C: fissures opened with KCP 1000, etched, and restored with composite and sealant. No adhesive was used for groups A, B, or C. Group D: fissures opened with KCP 1000, adhesive resin was applied, cured, and restored with composite and sealant. All teeth were thermocycled, stained with silver nitrate, sectioned and viewed with a computer linked measuring microscope. Measurements were recorded in relative percentages and absolute millimeters. RESULTS One-way ANOVA and two sample independent t-test showed no statistical significance between groups A and C, or between groups B and D. Statistically significant differences were found among groups A and B, groups A and D, groups B and C, and groups C and D (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The use of air abrasion alone does not provide adequate sealability of preventive restorations.