Microleakage
Pronunciation: MY-kroh-LEE-kij
The clinically undetectable passage of bacteria, fluids, or ions between a restoration and the cavity wall, often assessed in vitro using dye-penetration or isotope techniques.
Full Definition
Microleakage occurs when the microscopic gap between a restoration and tooth substrate permits ingress of oral fluids, bacteria, and their metabolites, potentially leading to secondary (recurrent) caries, postoperative sensitivity, and pulpal inflammation. Because these gaps are below clinical detection thresholds, microleakage is typically quantified in laboratory studies by immersing restored specimens in a dye solution and measuring dye penetration depth after sectioning. Common dye tracers include methylene blue and silver nitrate. Editors should note that 'microleakage' is one unhyphenated compound word, and must not be confused with 'nanoleakage', which refers specifically to resin tag degradation within the hybrid layer.
Usage
Usage note: Write as one unhyphenated word: 'microleakage'. Distinguish from 'nanoleakage', which occurs within the adhesive–dentine interface at a submicron level.
In Context
- "Microleakage scores were significantly lower in the self-etch adhesive group compared with the total-etch control." — In vitro adhesive dentistry study
- "The authors used 0.5% methylene blue to evaluate microleakage at the cervical margins of Class II restorations." — Laboratory methods section