Influence of extended light exposure time on the degree of conversion and plasticization of materials used as pit and fissure sealants.

Abstract

To evaluate the conversion and plasticization of fissure sealer materials, as influenced by extended curing time. Twenty specimens (n=5) of a pit and fissure sealant and a flowable composite at two curing times (20 and 60 sec) were photocured with the Bluephase 16i light-emitting diode. The conversion was determined by Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection spectroscopy 24 h after polymerization. Hardness was measured, and samples were stored in absolute ethanol for 24 h. A second hardness measurement was executed after storage to assess plasticization by the percentage of hardness decrease. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation (α=0.05). The pit and fissure sealant showed lower degree of conversion than the flowable composite. The 60-sec curing time increased the conversion only for the flowable composite. Plasticization was lower for the flowable composite than for the pit and fissure sealant. The 60-sec light exposure time showed a similar percentage of hardness decrease of 20 sec. A low correlation between the conversion and plasticization was found. Extended curing time improved the conversion only for the flowable composite. The pit and fissure sealant presented lower conversion and higher plasticization than the flowable composite.