Bulk vs wedge shape layering techniques in V class cavities: marginal infiltration evaluation

Objective: The aim of this in vitro research was to assess if the different stratification techniques could influence the marginal gap in V class restoration.Material and methods: Standard 6 × 4 × 4 mm class V cavities were prepared on the buccal side of 24 extracted sound human premolars. Specimens were randomly divided in two groups: (A) Bulk filling technique; (B) Wedge-shape layering technique. The interfacial sealing ability of the stratification techniques was evaluated by scoring the 7% methylene blue penetration depth through optical microscope observations. The infiltration assessment was performed with a progressive score. Differences in infiltration scores recorded for the tested techniques were evaluated for statistical significance (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.05).Results: The A group showed a mean score of 1.166 ± 1.114, registering the higher score of 3; the B group the mean score was 0.666 ± 0.778, and a higher score of 2. The two tails Mann–Whitney analysis showed a 0.270 non-significant result.Conclusion: Considering the limitation related to the technique used for the infiltration analysis in small V class cavities, the infiltration score is not influenced by the different stratification techniques