Comparison of microleakage on Class V composite restoration: Study on total etch, self etch and selective etch technique

Background: A Class V restoration with composite resin poses a number of challenges, which can result in microleakage. Methods for minimizing microleakage include the use of adhesive materials and adhesive systems. Adhesive systems include total etch, self-etch, and selective etch. Each adhesive system has various advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, in a Class V cavity with little enamel attachment, research is needed to compare microleakage in total etch, self-etch, and selective etch systems to determine the best adhesion system to achieve treatment success. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare total etch, self-etch, and selective etch adhesive systems in Class V composite resin restorations. Method: Class V cavities on premolar teeth (n = 24) were prepared on buccal and lingual surfaces. The teeth were divided into three groups: total etch, self-etch, and selective etch. All the samples of 3 mm mesiodistal, 2 mm occlusal–gingival, and 2 mm deep were prepared using a high-speed round bur. After the preparation of the samples, all the teeth were restored using a flowable composite resin. All the restored samples were immersed in 2% methylene blue for 24 h. They were then sectioned in a buccolingual direction and observed under a stereomicroscope at ×10 magnification. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and post hoc Mann–Whitney U-test (P < 0.05). Result: There were significant differences in microleakage among the groups. The total etch group had the least microleakage, followed by the selective etch and self-etch groups. Conclusion: The use of phosphoric acid (37%) in total etch and selective etch technique reduced microleakage in composite restorations.