A Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage of Glass Ionomer Restoration with Different Surface Protectors - An In-Vitro Study

Aim:All the restorative material whatsoever introduced till-date have an inherent disadvantage of microleakage measurable different grades. The present study comparatively evaluates the micro-leakage of glass ionomer restoration with different surface protection methods. Methodology: 36 premolars were obtained without any cracks or restorations for the study.Teeth were stored in distilled water containing thymol crystals till the beginning of the study. The teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups based on surface protectors used. Group I is GC Fuji Varnish , Group II is vaseline and Group III is G-Coat plus along with GIC restoration. Class V cavities were prepared of dimensions mesio-distal width of 3 mm, occluso-gingival length of 2 mm, and a depth of 1.5mmon buccal and lingual surfaces with a high-speed hand-piece with airwater spray. Results: Kruskal-Wallis test was applied and Vaseline group showed significantly less microleakage compared to G-Coat plus i.e. G-Coat plus exhibited significantly higher microleakage compared to other groups.Conclusion: Evaluation of micro-leakage of glass ionomer cements using various surface protecting agents ,Vaseline was considered the best surface protecting agent maintaining the water balance and showing no micro-leakage.