Utilization of elecrical conductivity as an alternative method of assessing marginal leakage of pit and fissure sealants.

Abstract

The electrical conductivity readings of extracted human teeth uere taken: prior to placement of pit and fissure sealants; immediately after placement of the pit and fissure sealants; 2 weeks after immersion of the specimens in distilled water at 37 degrees C; and after 7200 strokes on a toothbrushing machine. The specimens were then immersed in dye for 24 h, sectioned and evaluated for evidence of dye penetration. The electrical conductivity readings were then compared to dye penetration results to determine if a correlation existed. A positive correlation existed between the electrical conductivity readings and dye penetration. Threshold values of electrical conductivity existed (which varied for each sealant) - readings above these threshold values indicated sealant failure or leakage. The possibility of using electrical conductivity as a diagnostic tool is definitely worthy of further research - particularly its potential as an in vivo method of assessing leakage.