Marginal bacterial leakage and pulp reactions in Class II composite resin restorations in vivo.

The presence of stainable bacteria under restorations and pulp reactions in 36 teeth restored in vivo with a modified Class II composite resin restoration with two different dentine treatment techniques were studied on three separate follow-up occasions (1-3, 7-10 and 28-32 days). Half of the cavities showed stainable bacteria at the cavity margins and bottoms. Teeth restored with method A (Gluma/Occlusin) showed significantly fewer restorations with stainable bacteria then teeth restored with method B (Life/Occlusin) (p less than 0.05). Significantly more restorations with detectable bacteria were found after 28-32 days and restorative method B (p less than 0.05). There were no differences in occurrence and grade of pulp inflammation for the different dentine treatment techniques and time periods.