Effect of pre- and postoperative bleaching on marginal leakage of amalgam and composite restorations

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pre- and postoperative bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide on marginal leakage of amalgam and resin composite restorations. Method and materials: Three groups were made using 30 extracted, caries-free third molars (n = 10). In the preoperative group, bleaching was performed with 10% carbamide peroxide, followed by the placement of resin composite and amalgam restorations on Class V cavity preparations. In the postoperative group, bleaching was performed after the resin composite and amalgam restorations were fabricated. The third group served as a control in which no bleaching was performed. Dye penetration was used for evaluation of marginal leakage. Results: Chi-square test showed that marginal leakage of resin composite restorations increased in both pre- and postoperatively bleached groups, but marginal leakage of amalgam restorations showed no alterations. Conclusion: Bleaching with carbamide peroxide may alter the marginal leakage of resin composite restorations, but amalgam restorations are not affected adversely in vitro.