Evaluation of Microleakage in Class V Restorations using Ketac™ N100 and Equia Forte™: A Comparative In Vitro Study

Authors: Ruchi Singla

DOI: 10.18231/j.jdp.12155.1759131119

Keywords: Class V cavities, Ketac™ N100, Equia Forte™, microleakage, restorative materials, glass ionomer

Abstract: Abstract Objective: This study evaluates and compares the marginal sealing ability of two advanced glass ionomer-based restorative materials—Ketac™ N100 and Equia Forte™—in Class V cavities. Materials and Methods: Thirty extracted, non-carious human premolars were prepared with standardized Class V cavities on buccal and lingual surfaces. Group 1 (n=15) was restored with Ketac™ N100, while Group 2 (n=15) received Equia Forte™ restorations. Following thermocycling (200 cycles between 5°C and 55°C), specimens were subjected to methylene blue dye penetration testing. Dye infiltration was analyzed under 50 x stereomicroscope, and microleakage scores were recorded and statistically evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Equia Forte™ demonstrated significantly reduced microleakage at both occlusal and gingival margins compared to Ketac™ N100 (P < 0.05). Both materials showed higher leakage at the gingival margins. Conclusion: Equia Forte™ offered better sealing performance in Class V restorations, suggesting a more effective barrier against microleakage in challenging cervical areas.