Microleakage of TERM used with sodium perborate/water and sodium perborate/superoxol in the "walking bleach" technique.

This study compared the sealing ability of TERM as an interim restoration for the "walking bleach" technique when using either sodium perborate/water or sodium perborate/superoxol. Thirty-three extracted maxillary premolars were restored with TERM after placing either a cotton pellet (control), a paste of sodium perborate and water, or a paste of sodium perborate and superoxol in the chamber. Microleakage was assessed at 24 h, 8 days, and 15 days using a fluid filtration method. Statistical analysis revealed both "walking bleach" groups had significantly higher numbers of teeth demonstrating microleakage than the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in microleakage between the two "walking bleach" groups. The results of this study indicated that the temporary restorative material, TERM, provided an unsatisfactory seal when used with either walking bleach technique. When used over a cotton pellet, TERM provided an excellent seal.