The effect of air polishing system on the microleakage of composite and glass inomer cervical restorations

In some studies, ultrasonic scalers could increase the microleakage in teeth restored with tooth colored restorations; in a few others, air polish system caused surface roughness on the tooth colored restoration surfaces. The aim of this research was to compare the effect of air polishing system on microleakage of Z250 Filtek composite and Vitremer glass inomer in cervical restorations. Seventy two extracted premolar teeth were collected and randomly divided into two equal groups. In all the teeth, standard class V cavities were prepared in cervical regions on the buccal side. Half of the teeth were filled with Z250 Filtek composite and the other half with Vitremer glass inomer. The specimens were thermo cycled. Half of the specimens on each group were subjected to air polish system from 3 mm distance Microscope with 32 magnificatios was used for microleakage measurements. Air polish system caused increased microleakage in both groups (p value < 0.01) and Vitremer glass inomer had significantly more leakage than composite 250 Filtek (p value < 0.001). Leakage at the enamel margins was significantly less than at the dentin margin in both two groups, but the difference was only statistically significant for Vitremer glass inomer (p value < 0.05). As air polish system application causes increased microleakage of composite 250 Filtek and Vitremer glass inomer, we advise to use it with caution in teeth filled with composites. It is not advised to use air polish system in teeth filled with glass inomer.