In vitro evaluation of microleakage in primary teeth restored with three adhesive materials: ACTIVA™, composite resin, and resin-modified glass ionomer.

PURPOSE: Microleakage is one of the most important problems that can adversely affect the longevity of dental restorations. The aim of this in vitro study is to assess microleakage of a new BioActive-Restorative composite (ACTIVA™, Pulpdent, USA), in comparison to standard adhesive materials used in restoring class II cavities in primary teeth.

DESIGN: One hundred and four extracted human primary molars were randomly allocated into three groups. In each group, class II cavities were prepared and restored with one of the three restorative materials: ACTIVA, Filtek Z250, or Vitremer. Microleakage was assessed using dye penetration method under a stereomicroscope. Chi-square test was used followed by pairwise comparisons to assess the association between microleakage and the materials used. A significance level of 0.05 was assumed throughout the study.

RESULTS: According to leakage analysis per tooth, there were no statistically significant differences in microleakage percentages between ACTIVA and both Filtek Z250 and Vitremer. Leakage analysis per surfaces showed significantly higher leakage percentages in ACTIVA compared to Filtek Z250 at both occlusal and cervical margins and lower than Vitremer at occlusal margin.

CONCLUSION: ACTIVA can be a potential restorative material in class II cavities in primary molars; clinical studies are recommended.