Statement of problem: "Compomers" are being used with increasing frequency in Europe and North America.
Purpose: This study evaluated the marginal seal of two compomers in vivo.
Material and methods: Periodontally involved teeth, scheduled for extraction, were selected. Four groups of a combination of materials were used (Dyract with Dyract-PSA primer, group 1; Dyract with Prime and Bond 2.0, group 2; Compoglass with SCA primer, group 3; and Compoglass with Syntac Single Component, group 4). The restorations were made in a standardized shaped cavity, across the cementoenamel junction, and the teeth were extracted after 2 to 3 months of clinical service. The specimens were kept in a solution of 2% methylene blue for 24 hours. After being embedded in epoxy resin, sections were made with a low speed saw along the longitudinal axis of the teeth. The examination of dye penetration was made with a microscope at a magnification of x20 and scoring was done at both coronal and apical sites. Kruskal-Wallis statistical analysis was performed at 5% significance level.
Results: Groups 2 and 4 scored significantly less than groups 1 and 3 and for groups 2 and 4, 30% of the restorations exhibited leakage.
Conclusion: These restoration systems did not completely prevent leakage either at the incisal or the cervical margins. Therefore the use of an enamel-dentin bonding system in combination with the proprietary compomer is recommended.