ABSTRACT
Introduction: Resin-based materials are being used in restorative dentistry on a large scale. Since their introduction, they have replaced amalgam restorations due to their esthetics and ongoing improved physical properties. However, microleakage which results from polymerization shrinkage remains to be the main problem of resin restorations.
Aim: To assess the microleakage in primary molars after composite application with different layering techniques.
Materials and methods: Standardized class I cavities were done in 40 primary extracted molars, filled with composite using the horizontal, Hot-Dog, Split horizontal, or Successive cusp buildup techniques. The teeth were coated with nail varnish leaving only the occlusal surface exposed, placed in 0.5% basic fuchsin solution, and assessed for microleakage using stereomicroscope.
Results: Composite filling using the Hot-Dog technique showed the least microleakage when assessed under the stereomicroscope.
Conclusion: Restoring primary teeth with composite restoration using the Hot-Dog application technique exhibits less marginal leakage with statistically significant differences when compared with the horizontal placement technique, the split horizontal placement technique, and the succussive cusp build-up technique.