Microleakage in Class V composite resin restorations prepared conventionally and prepared with the Er:YAG laser

This in vitro study aimed to examine the microleakage in Class V composite resin restoration prepared conventionally in comparison with those prepared by the Er:YAG Laser. Twelve human premolar teeth were divided into three groups. Group I was prepared with a conventional high-speed drill and etched with 35% phosphoric acid. Group II was prepared with Er:YAG Laser and etched with 35% phosphoric acid and Group III was prepared and etched only with the Er:YAG Laser. The cavity was restored with light cure composite resin (Z100 - 3M). The specimens were immersed in a 50% silver nitrate solution. They were sectioned and observed under optic microscopy. Leakage was observed in groups I, II and III. The results were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and their comparison showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the groups.