Comparison of microleakage, bond strength, and fracture strength of no etch no bond novel flowable composite as a pit and fissure sealant in comparison to the conventional sealants: An In vitro Study

Abstract

Background: Resin-based sealants are most commonly used in the clinical practice. With the introduction of self-etch self-adhesive flowable composite, their efficacy as a sealant needs to be evaluated as they can be of great help render preventive care, especially in very uncooperative child. Aim: To evaluate the various parameters and compare the efficacy of the new material to the conventional sealant. Materials and Methods: Seventy-six noncarious primary molars were randomly assigned into two groups, Fissurit F (Group A) and Constic (Group B). Each group was further subdivided into four groups: G1– Microleakage (n = 18), G2– Fracture strength (n = 18), G3– Tensile strength (n = 20), G4– Shear strength (n = 20). The parameters were evaluated and compared to check the efficacy of the two groups. Results: Nonparametric tests Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests were applied to the values obtained to compare microleakage and fracture strength and comparison of shear and tensile bond strengths is done by independent t-test. Microleakage and fracture strength of Constic were found to be better, but bond strength of Fissurit F (tensile strength – 14.30 ± 4.49; shear bond strength – 6.12 ± 2.84) was more than that of Constic (tensile strength – 6.33 ± 1.47; shear bond strength – 2.06 ± 0.635). Conclusion: Use of a flowable composite without bonding agent is a good alternative for sealing pits and fissures; however, further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary.