Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage of Amalgam, High Viscosity and Resin-Modified Glass Ionomers as Restorative Materials in Primary Molars

<p><strong>Background and Objective:</strong> One of the major requisites of an ideal restorative material is excellent marginal seal. Microleakage has been identified as a significant clinical problem with filling materials. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the degree of microleakage of amalgam, high viscosity glass ionomer and resin-modified glass ionomer in primary molars.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 99 human non-carious primary molars that were liable to exfoliate within the next six months were selected. Standardized Class I cavities were prepared on occlusal surfaces of molars and randomly filled with either Amalgam (Aristaloy 21), High Viscosity Glass Ionomer (Ketac Molar) or ResinModified Glass Ionomer (GC Fuji II LC). The teeth were divided into nine groups (n=11 each) on the basis of filling material used and time of restored tooth extraction viz. one week, six weeks and twelve weeks. After immersion in a 2% methylene blue dye solution for 24 hours, the teeth were sectioned buccolingually in an occluso-apical direction through the middle of the restoration. The specimens were then examined under&nbsp;<br />stereomicroscope at 30X magnification. Statistical analyses were performed with ANOVA and Tukey&rsquo;s test&nbsp;<br />at 5% level of significance.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Amalgam restorations had significantly less microleakage as compared to the high-viscosity glass ionomer and resin-modified glass ionomer restorations. High-viscosity glass ionomer restorations were superior in resisting microleakage than resin-modified glass ionomers. The restorative materials used can be arranged in their sealing ability from least to severe microleakage as: Amalgam &lt;High-viscosity glass ionomer &lt;Resin-modified glass ionomer.<br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Amalgam restorations showed less microleakage as compared to high-viscosity and resinmodified glass ionomer restorations. Amalgam may preferably be used as a restorative material of choice&nbsp;<br />for primary molars.</p>