Effects of Three Hemostatic Agents on Microleakage of Cervical Composite Resin Restorations Bonded to Simulated Caries-Affected Tooth Substrate Using One-Step Self-Etch Adhesive

Background and Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the microleakage of cervical res-torations with the use of a one-step self-etch adhesive after application of three differ-ent hemostatic agents. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 96 cervical cavities were prepared on 24 intact and 24 demineralized teeth. Forty-eight class V cavities with sound tooth substrate were assigned to groups 1 to 4, and 48 cavities with demineralized tooth substrate were assigned to groups 5 to 8. In groups 1 and 5, no hemostatic agent, in groups 2 and 6, Viscostat, in groups 3 and 7, Viscostat Clear, and in groups 4 and 8, tri-chloroacetic acid (TCA) were used. After composite resin filling and thermocycling, the teeth were immersed in dye, sliced, and dye penetration was scored under a mi-croscope. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: The mean enamel microleakage values were significantly different among the groups (P=0.027); however, there was no significant difference in the mean dentin mi-croleakage values between the study groups (P=0.072). Significant differences were also noted in enamel marginal leakage between groups 1 and 3, 1 and 5, 3 and 8, and 5 and 8 (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in microleakage of groups with normal dentin and groups with simulated caries-affected dentin (P=0.063). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, Viscostat Clear exhibited the greatest enamel microleakage. There were no significant differences in dentin microleakage between the study groups; however, among the groups with simulated caries-affected dentin, TCA showed lower microleakage.