Prophylactic efficiency of glass-ionomer fissure sealant

Abstract

One of the most efficient prophylactic measures in caries prevention is sealing pits and fissures. After improvements of physical and mechanical properties, glass-ionomers are frequently used as sealing materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic efficiency of Fuji VII, a glass-ionomer fissure sealant, through adaptation ability and fluoride reeasing potential assessment using scanning electron microscopic and energy dispersive spectroscopic techniques. The sample consisted of 20 extracted intact human teeth, 10 premolars and 10 molars. Six sections of each tooth were analyzed using SEM. EDS analysis was conducted one week and three months after material placement. The parameters used for the evaluation included: adaptation ability, penetration depth, material structure, integrity of the interfacial zone and ion exchange extent. The sealant penetration depth was observed at 30 X magnification, and the interfacial zone between the material and the enamel at 500-10000 X. EDS was used for quantitative analysis of the material structure, interfacial zone and the enamel surface. The results were statistically analyzed the using chisquare test and descriptive statistical methods. SEM analysis revealed the zone of interaction between the enamel surface and the glass-ionomer with predominant cohesive failures within the sealant material, and satisfactory adaptation ability of the sealing material. The mean value of the penetration was 83% of the total fissure depth, without a statistically significant difference between the tested teeth groups. A lower penetration ability was observed in deep pits and fissures with a larger diameter of unfilled space (p<0.05). EDS analysis revealed the potential of the glass-ionomer for ion exchange with dental tissues. The presence of fluoride ions was detected in 2 sections 3 months after material placement. Glass-ionomers, chemically cured, biocompatible materials demonstrate satisfactory prophylactic characteristics.