Effect of nano-hydroxyapatite incorporation on fluoride-releasing ability, penetration, and adaptation of a pit and fissure sealant.

Abstract

Dental caries is one of the most common multifactorial oral diseases and can be prevented using pit and fissure sealants. To evaluate the effect of nano-hydroxyapatite (nanoHAP) incorporation on fluoride-releasing ability, penetration, and adaptation of a pit and fissure sealant. This was an in vitro study with two groups: conventional sealant and nanoHAP-incorporated sealant. Sealant penetration and adaptation were assessed using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) (15 and 10 samples per group, respectively). Fluoride release was analyzed using ion-selective electrode (15 samples per group). The chi-square test was used to compare penetration and adaptation between the 2 groups, and an independent Student t test was used to compare fluoride release. The nanoHAP group showed significantly more samples with no bubbles (P=.001) and no debris (P<.001). SEM analysis showed a significantly greater percentage of adequate fissures in the test group (P=.007). The fluoride release was significantly higher in test samples with p values of .001 and .016 on day 1 and day 60, respectively. The incorporation of nanoHAP into the conventional pit and fissure sealant improved its penetration and adaptation properties along with fluoride release.