Comparrison Between Reading Methods in the Microleakage Test

Abstract

SUMMARY Objective: To compare two reading methodologies of microleakage of colorings in the interface tooth/restoration, in Class V cavities, in enamel and dentine walls, using computerized digital images to compare the classic method of evaluation using the stereomicroscope. Material and Methods: All the cavities were restored with the system Single Bond and Z250 (3M ESPE). After thermocycling (500 cycles at 5oC and 55oC), the teeth were immerged in a solution of basic fuscine at 2% and selected, for the evaluation of three examiners with a previous knowledge about the methodology. All the samples were submitted to two evaluations, in different moments, by a stereomicroscope and computerized digital images. Results: Kappa, among the examiners demonstrated that among those they are not independent (p < 0.001), as well as the comparison of the results of the first to the second evaluation of the same dental element, independently of the reading method. Conclusion: The researchers can opt for any of the methods and only one evaluation of each sample is necessary, since they do not differ in relation to each other, statistically. DESCRIPTORS Composite Resin. Dental leakage. Dental materials.