Comparative evaluation of sealing ability, penetration and adaptation of a self etching pit and fissure sealant- stereomicroscopic and scanning electron microscopic analyses

Abstract

Background The efficacy of pit and fissure sealants in preventing occlusal caries is a well-established fact. Considering the difficulty in achieving strict isolation for a longer duration while treating the pediatric patients, a simplified procedure of sealant application is desirable. While, a self-etching sealant, Prevent Seal offers a quick procedure, the physical properties of this material haven’t been studied yet. Thus, this study was aimed to comparatively evaluate sealing ability, penetration and adaptation of a self-etching pit and fissure sealant and a conventional resin sealant. Material and Methods This was an in vitro intergroup comparative study, which consisted of 2 groups- Group I (Conventional acid etch sealant, Clinpro) and Group II (Self etching sealant, Prevent Seal). Out of 32 selected teeth 16 were used to study microleakage, with the help of dye penetration test using Övrebö and Raadal criteria. Remaining 16 were used to evaluate sealant penetration and adaptation viz bubbles in the bottom of fissure, debris in the fissure, tags in the bottom of the fissure and tags at cuspal slopes and fissure entrance was done using stereomicroscope. Post stereomicroscopic evaluation 4 samples each were randomly chosen from both the groups and checked for etching pattern using Scanning electronic microscope. Results The comparison of tested properties between the groups was done using Chi square test. There was no statistically significant difference observed when microleakage and sealant penetration / adaptation properties were compared between two groups ( p =0.63 and p = 0.131, 0.131, 0.302, 0.106 respectively). No conclusive results could be withdrawn while etching patterns were compared between the groups ( p =0.717). Conclusions The self-etching sealant Prevent seal was found to have similar microleakage, sealant penetration and adaptation properties as conventional acid etch sealant. Key words: Pit and fissure sealant, self-etching, scanning electron microscope, sealing ability.

Comparison of the clinical effectiveness of self-etch sealant with the conventional acid-etch sealant for the retentive ability and marginal integrity in permanent molars: a split mouth one year randomized controlled trial

“…In the earlier studies using different products, those sealants that had been applied using self-etch systems had shown lower retention rates than the sealants applied in the conventional approach, regardless of the use of adhesive systems. 14,15 In an in vitro study by Garg et al, 6 the sealing ability and microleakage of Preventseal and Clinpro™ were evaluated. They documented that the retention and marginal integrity of the self-etching sealant, Preventseal was found to be similar to that of the conventional acid etch sealant.…”

“…5 Etching the enamel with phosphoric acid is a conventional and standard technique practiced globally to improve retention. 6 Unfortunately, salivary contamination post etching, decreases the adhesion of the sealant due to the formation of a tenacious surface coating, thus requiring the etching procedure to be repeated. Considering the compliance of the young child, a sealant that provides good retention and having a short procedure of application would be ideal.…”

“…Considering the compliance of the young child, a sealant that provides good retention and having a short procedure of application would be ideal. 6 Self-etching sealants are products that have a one-step application with fluoride releasing properties. They can prove to be beneficial compared to the other resin sealants especially in pediatric practices.…”

A Comparative Analysis of Penetration and Adaptation of Two Types of Light Cure Pit and Fissure Sealants: An In-vitro Study

“…According to Nagano (1961), occlusal fissures are divided into five types based upon morphology -IK, inverted Y, V, U, and I. These caries susceptible sites should be sealed for the prevention of caries [1][2][3].…”

“…For the operation to be a good one, the sealant's adhesion to the surface of the tooth is therefore very necessary. The traditional and common technique used over time to help resin sealants stick securely to the expected pits and fissures is the etching of the tooth enamel with phosphoric acid [1]. The inadequacy of fissure sealants is mostly caused by insufficient isolation and saliva contamination of the etched enamel [4][5][6].…”