Microleakage and the class V composite cavosurface.

The following conclusions may be made from this study: Substantial leakage occurs around unetched composite restorations. No procedure employed in this study consistently eliminated all leakage. Etching the peripheral enamel decreased penetration of the dye. The use of an intermediary bonding resin did not enhance marginal sealing over that obtained when only the etchant was used. The gingival margin was less resistant to penetration of the dye than the occlusal margin. Beveling the cavosurface margin produced a significant decrease in leakage, when employed with acid etching in Group II.