Gap measurement of three different adhesive systems with two different resin composites- a confocal microscopic study

Objective: Marginal gap formation around composite resin restorations is responsible for fluid penetration, marginal discoloration, and eventually clinical failure of the restoration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a range of contemporary adhesive systems to determine the marginal gap width developed at the resin-tooth interface in Class V cavity margins with a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. Materials and Method: Thirty-six caries-free freshly extracted premolar teeth were selected and class V buccal cavities were prepared. The teeth were randomly assigned into three groups of 12 teeth each [Group I–Prime & Bond NT, Group II-AdheSE, Group III-Xenobond], which were further subdivided into 2 subgroups. All teeth belonging to subgroup “A” were restored with Durafil resin composite and subgroup “B” with Solitaire resin composite. The teeth were then sectioned longitudinally and were evaluated under CLSM. Results: Statistical analysis was done using Student independent T-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Comparing among the groups, mean marginal gap width is found to be maximum in Group III followed by Group II and Group I respectively. Conclusion: Least marginal gapwidth formation is seen in single bottle adhesive system, Group IB (Prime & Bond NT).