Application Of Fissure Sealants Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Techniques for Pit and Fissure Sealant Application to Reduce Microleakage.

Introduction In modern dentistry, the focus is more on preventing caries than on treating it, which helps preserve the tooth structure. Pit and fissure sealants (PFS) are the most effective methods for providing a mechanical barrier and avoiding the accumulation of dental plaque in deep pits and fissures, thereby preventing occlusal caries. The present study was conducted to compare the efficiency of dentin bonding agents (DBA) with or without fissurotomy in reducing microleakage before PFS placement. Materials and methods A total of 48 freshly extracted premolars were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Group 1, the conventional technique of PFS (Clinpro, 3M ESPE sealant); Group 2, fissurotomy performed before PFS placement; Group 3, Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (3M ESPE DBA) applied before PFS placement; and Group 4, fissurotomy along with DBA was used before PFS placement. The teeth were subjected to thermocycling followed by dye penetration using a 1% solution of methylene blue for 24 hours. All teeth were then assessed for microleakage by a qualitative method using a stereomicroscope at 40X and depth of dye penetration by image analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's test was used for intergroup comparisons of microleakage scores, and ANOVAfollowed by Tukey's test was used for intergroup comparisons of the depth of dye penetration. These analyses were conducted using statistical software (SPSS version 22, Chicago, IL, USA). Results Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of the microleakage scores and depth of dye penetration (p<0.05). The group 4 showed a minimum microleakage score (0.50±0.52), and maximum scores were observed in Group 1 (2.16±0.71). Group 2 showed insignificant differences with groups 3 and 4 for depth of dye penetration (p>0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed between groups 1 and 2, groups 1 and 4, and groups 3 and 4 for the microleakage score (p<0.05). Conclusion Fissurotomy with or without DBA significantly reduced microleakage before the PFS placement. Prior use of fourth-generation DBA significantly reduced microleakage compared with PFS placement without the use of DBA.

The combined effect of pit and fissure sealant application and oral health education on oral health status of children aged 6–9 years: a 12-month follow-up study in Northeast China

BackgroundChildren aged 6–9 years are vulnerable to dental caries due to age-related limitations and a lack of adequate knowledge regarding oral health and hygiene practices. This study aimed to establish a cohort of children aged between 6 and 9 years and conducted a 12-month follow-up to examine the combined effect of pit and fissure sealant (PFS) application and oral health education on their oral health status.MethodsA cohort study with 12-month follow-up was conducted in Liaoning province, China. A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling approach was employed in the study. The enrolled 6- to 9-year-old children were all from the selected primary schools, who had resided in the designated area for at least 6 months. Children who were unable to cooperate with the examiner or without informed consent from their guardians were excluded. Experienced dental professionals examined the oral health status of primary school children aged 6–9 years. All children and their guardians were mandated to complete a questionnaire (qualitative data) at the beginning of the study. In the experiment group, children underwent PFS application and chairside oral health education. Clinical examinations and questionnaire surveys were repeated at the 12-month follow-up. The chi-square test and binary logistic regression were conducted to investigate the potential risk factors associated with dental caries prevalence (dependent variable). Independent variables were items from the questionnaire (such as living place, parents’ education level and children’ birth weight). The significant variables identified in the chi-square tests were subsequently included in the binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 4,085 children aged 6–9 years were included in the study, with 1805 participants assigned to the experiment group and 2280 to the control group. At baseline, the caries rates of the experimental and control group were 77.95% and 80.35%, respectively without any statistically significant differences. However, at the 12-month follow-up, the caries rate in the experimental group (83.65%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (86.62%) (P < 0.05). The results from the binary logistic regression analysis indicated that parents with a college degree and children in the experimental group exhibited lower caries rates. Conversely, higher caries rates were associated with the consumption of sweet beverages and foods more than once a day and a lack of knowledge regarding the causes of caries (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn Liaoning, China, children aged 6 to 9 years exhibited a high prevalence of dental caries. Several factors, including the parent’s education level, the frequency of consuming sweet beverages and foods, and the children’s understanding of the cause of caries, significantly affected the caries prevalence rates. The implementation of PFS application and oral health education effectively reduce the caries rate among the surveyed children.

COVID-19 Reflections on Restorative Treatments of Permanent First Molars.

It is important to provide appropriate dental care for newly erupted permanent first molars (PFMs) since they are susceptible to caries. As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to significant changes in the way dental services are provided to patients, the purpose of this study is to examine the procedure records assigned to PFMs of 6-15 year-olds during the pandemic and analyze the restorative material preferences of the residents of public dental hospitals. Procedure records of patients aged between 6-15 years were extracted from the Public Oral and Dental Health Center, Bursa, Türkiye. All teeth groups except PFMs were excluded, while extracted, survived (restorative/endodontic/prosthetic procedures), and prevented (fissure sealant application) PFMs were analyzed retrospectively. Furthermore, restorative material preferences were analyzed by arch location, cavity surfaces, and dentition types. Strong positive correlation was seen between age and PFM extraction (r=0.973; p<0.001) and age and PFM restorative treatments (r= 0.966; p<0.001); a negative correlation was detected between age and fissure sealants (r= -0.984; p<0,001) performed on PFMs of 8-15-year-olds. Amalgam was most often preferred as the restorative material (p<0.05). The distribution of treatments and dental restorations can vary based on many factors, and the pandemic conditions may have changed treatment preferences to favor preventive dentistry. The excess of multi-surface restorations may be related to the delay of treatment applications during COVID-19.

The Effect of Filmed Modeling by Cartoon Character on Anxiety of Children during Pit and Fissure Sealant Application under Rubber Dam Isolation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of filmed modeling by cartoon character on the anxiety of children during pit and fissure sealant application under rubber dam isolation. Methodology: The study consisted of a total of 36 children who were randomly allotted to interventional and control groups by flip-coin method. A prerecorded audio-visual film of a cartoon character getting the treatment done was shown to children included in the interventional group. The anxiety level was checked before and after the application of pit and fissure sealant using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale. Results: Pearson’s Chi-square tests and Wilcoxon sign-ranked test were applied for statistical analysis (P &lt; 0.5), wherein statistically significant changes in anxiety level were observed among children following the filmed modeling. Conclusion: Film modeling is an efficient technique to manage 7–9-year-old children’s anxiety as well as to instill positive behavior during dental treatment.

Shear bond strength fissure sealant based on glass ionomer after topical fluor application: a comparison between sodium fluoride and acidulated phosphate fluoride

Background: Application of fissure sealants to young permanent teeth is one of the preventive measures for caries in the field of dentistry. Fissure sealants based on glass ionomer cement (GIC) have the advantage of releasing fluoride. Sodium fluoride and acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) are remineralization agents because they can increase remineralization by altering hydroxyapatite to fluorapatite and this in turn makes fluorine able to increase pH. Fluoride can prevent caries by increasing remineralization of the enamel that has just been demineralized by acids produced by plaque bacteria. The aim of this study is to compare the shear bond strength fissure sealant based on glass ionomer between sodium fluoride and APF topical fluor application Method: This research applied true experimental design with post test only control group design. The 21 maxillary permanent premolars were distributed into 3 groups, namely the control group (K1), the treatment group added 5% sodium fluoride (K2), and the treatment group added 1.23% APF (K3). Result: One Way ANOVA and post hoc LSD analysis test displayed no significant difference in each group. This could be due to the material used as a conditioner prior to the GIC application. The addition of fluoride ions will inhibit the demineralization process of the enamel produced by the application of conditioner. So it does not rule out that it will interfere with the attachment of the GIC material used as a fissure sealant in this research. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in shear bond strength of fissure sealant based on glass ionomer between sodium fluoride and acidulated phosphate fluoride topical application.

Comparison of Retention and Marginal Discoloration of Self-Etch and Total-Etch Adhesives before Pit and Fissure Sealant Application on Permanent Second Molars in Pediatric Patients. A 1-year follow-up longitudinal study

Objective: To compare the retention and marginal discoloration of Self-etch and Total Etch Adhesive during Pit and Fissure Sealant application at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Materials and methods: 30 school-going children received sealants in all four permanent second molars, carried out in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. The fully erupted second permanent molars were randomly allocated into 3 groups: group A (self-etch), B (Total etch), and C (control group). According to the split mouth design, each patient received sealant in the second molar with self-etch in one arch and total-etch in the other arch; contra-lateral molars were kept in the control group. Results: No statistically significant difference was found in the marginal discoloration and microleakage of fissure sealants placed on occlusal surfaces following use of an SE bonding agent and traditional TE adhesive after 12 months. Conclusion: When TE adhesive was put on before sealant, the same amount of microleakage or marginal discoloration happened in the occlusal fissure of permanent teeth as when SE adhesive was put on before sealant.

Tooth-surface distribution of caries in Greek schoolchildren, using ICDAS-II index. A national pathfinder survey.

The objective of this cross-sectional nationwide study was to assess the caries status of Greek children, in regard to the severity and the distribution pattern of the lesions in the primary and permanent dentition at a tooth-surface level, based on ICDAS-II criteria. Study Design: A national survey was conducted in 15 urban and 9 rural sites and about 50 subjects were examined at each location across the country. Caries data, based on ICDAS-II index, were recorded on 4,410 children aged 5, 12, and 15-years by 10 calibrated dentists. The rankings of the most affected tooth-surfaces, the most vulnerable teeth found cavitated, the right-left symmetry of caries stages and its pattern of distribution shown per jaw or dentition were determined by using descriptive statistics (SPSS v.20). Caries lesions were quite frequent in this school aged child population and the most common code of ICDAS-II observed was that of incipient enamel caries, mainly on the occlusal surfaces, indicative of the need for fissure sealant application. For those surfaces with ICDAS-II=3-6, dental care and intensive prevention programmes, both at home and office based, are needed.

Effect of Enamel Pretreatment Using Er,Cr:YSGG Laser Irradiation on Micro-shear Bond Strength of a Self-etch Fissure Sealant.

Fissure sealant application is an efficient method for dental caries prevention. Self-etch fissure sealants (SE-FS) eliminate the separate etching step for bonding. The present study investigated the micro-shear bond strength (μSBS) of a SE-FS (Prevent seal®, Itena©, Paris, France) to enamel pretreated with different methods including Er,Cr:YSGG laser, under noncontaminated and saliva-contaminated conditions. Sixty human premolars were sectioned into halves and randomly assigned into two groups of saliva-contaminated and noncontaminated. Each group was further divided into six subgroups (N = 10) of different enamel pretreatment methods: (Laser+SE-FS), (Acid-etch+SE-FS), (Laser+Acid-etch+SE-FS), (Mechanical preparation+SE-FS), (SE-FS), and (Acid-etch+Bonding+Conventional fissure sealant) as positive control. The μSBS of the sealant material to enamel was measured in all subgroups. The two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were applied at P &lt; 0.05. Saliva contamination had a significant effect on μSBS (P &lt; 0.001), while pretreatment with laser or acid etching did not significantly affect the μSBS (P = 0.251). The μSBS of SE-FS to untreated enamel surface was significantly lower than the positive control (P = 0.035). The μSBS value in the subgroup receiving laser+etching+SE-FS was significantly higher than the remaining five subgroups (P &lt; 0.001). Other pairwise comparisons were not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05). Acid-etch and Er,Cr:YSGG laser exert a synergic effect on μSBS of Prevent Seal®, irrespective of saliva contamination.

Assessment of Pediatric First Permanent Molar Management under General Anesthesia at the King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: The use of general anesthesia (GA) among children has seen an increase globally. Both tooth extraction and restoration treatments on children were done under GA, but there are consequences in using GA in children, which also include changes in the treatment plan. First permanent molar (FPM) treatment under GA is a very strategic treatment, but there is a notable lack of studies that assess in detail this type of treatment, especially its frequency of administration under GA. This study determines the treatment frequency and the type of FPM treatment in children under GA at the King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.&#x0D; Methods: Our study is a cross-sectional study that reviewed the cases of dental rehabilitation in children between the ages of 5 and 14 years old from 2015 to 2018. These children had erupted first permanent molars and were treated under GA.&#x0D; Results: This study included 394 children, with 1330 FPMs treated under general anesthesia for (27%) preventive, (56%) restorative, and (17%) extraction treatments. The frequency of FPM treatments administered were color restoration (49%), fissure sealant application (37%), SSC (8.9%), and amalgam filling (4.5%). Low pulpal treatment was reported which was mostly involved indirect pulp capping. Most of the final restorations that were done covered only one surface, followed by the two-surface restorations, and then by SSC. &#x0D; Conclusions: The pediatric dentists’ decision for FPMs treatment under general anesthesia at KAMC was following AAPD guideline and its frequency was mostly restorative followed by preventive, and the least treatment was extraction treatments. The type of FPMs treatment administered on children was significantly influenced by their ages, gender, and health conditions. The type of tooth restoration and pulp therapy treatments were significantly dependent on children’s age. KAMC pediatric dentist efforts should be directed to initiate more preventive programs and effective dental home care utilization at PHC centers.

CARIES PREVENTION THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS FOR MAKASSAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Background: Dental and oral diseases are progressive and accumulative diseases that can affect all age groups. Dental caries is the most common dental disease in Indonesia. One of the preventive measures is to apply pit and fissure sealants to teeth with deep pits and fissures. Objective: The purpose of this activity is to help improving the oral health of the community through preventive efforts in the form of pit and fissure sealant applications. Methods: The implementation of this community service activity was conducted through several stages, namely preparation, data collection, problem identification, and implementation of activities. Results: The average caries index of the targeted students was in the high category. There were 5 children who need pit and fissure sealant application. Conclusion: This community service activity had been conducted according to plan. The community, in this case elementary school students, got preventive services in the field of dental health, especially the application of pit and fissure sealants.

Comparison of Resin Infiltration Technique with Conventional Preventive Applications on Occlusal Fissures in Terms of Chemical Analysis and SEM.

ObjectiveTo compare the subsurface mineral loss preventing capability of resin infiltration technique with topical fluoride and fissure sealant applications to demineralized occlusal fissures under simulated oral conditions.Materials and MethodsOcclusal surfaces of 64 extracted intact human third molars were demineralized. Next, the teeth were classified into four groups according to preventive applications (n = 16): G1, Specimens used as the control group with no preventive treatment; G2, Topical fluoride application (APF Gel/ DEEPAK); G3, Fissure sealant application (ClinproTMSealant/ 3M ESPE); and G4, Resin infiltration technique (Icon/ DMG). Chemical compositions before pH cycling were evaluated for eight specimens from each group. The remaining eight teeth from each group were subjected to pH cycling for 15 days to simulate the oral conditions. Subsequently, the specimens were fractured after immersion in liquid nitrogen and the subsurface fluoride (F), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) levels, and Ca/P ratio of each specimen were measured using energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDS). The data were subjected to statistical analysis (p = 0.05). The effects of preventive applications to surface topography of specimens were evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM).ResultsThere were no significant differences among the groups in subsurface F, Ca, and P levels and Ca/P ratios before or after pH cycling (p > 0.05). All three preventive applications were effective during pH cycling according to SEM observations.ConclusionsThe subsurface mineral loss preventing capability of resin infiltration technique applied to occlusal fissures was comparable to topical fluoride and fissure sealant applications.Clinical significanceThe resin infiltration technique could represent a valid alternative to traditionally used both preventive and restorative treatments for treating initial carious lesions on occlusal fissures, offering the advantages of better resin penetration and retention.

Using bonding agent prior to pits and fissure sealant application enhances the microtensile bond strength and the interface morphology

BackgroundA pits and fissures sealant is an effective method for preventing dental caries. Using a bonding agent before applying the sealant may increase its retention. This study aimed to compare the microtensile strength (µTBS) of a fissure sealant with and without a bonding agent and to characterize the enamel-sealant interface using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The null hypothesis was that the use of a bonding agent before fissure sealant application would not change the microtensile strength or the enamel-sealant interface. Materials and methodsTwenty caries-free premolars were used. Each tooth was divided into four parts. The first two parts were assigned to the bonded group, where a bonding system was used before sealant application. The remaining two parts were treated only with a fissure sealant (i.e., the nonbonded group). In each group, the µTBS was examined after 24 h (n = 20) and after a 3-month aging period (n = 20). Five other caries-free extracted premolars were used to assess the enamel-sealant interface using CLSM. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson chi-square statistical analysis tests were used to analyze the µTBS and the enamel-sealant interface, respectively. ResultsThe mean µTBS for the bonded group was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in the immediate group (36.87 ± 14.95 MPa) and the aged group (31.08 ± 15.88 MPa) than in the respective nonbonded groups (19.77 ± 9.67 MPa and 19.52 ± 14.14 MPa). The µTBS was not significantly different in either group after aging (p = 0.46 [bonded group] and p = 0.98 [nonbonded group]). In addition, using a dental adhesive, before applying a fissure sealant resulted in a significantly higher (53%) resin penetration into the enamel with the continuous integrity of the resin. ConclusionThe use of a bonding agent before the application of fissure sealant resulted in superior microtensile bond strength immediately and after aging. In addition, the enamel-sealant interface characteristics were improved.

Surface-Specific Caries Preventive Effect of an Intervention Comprising Fissure Sealant, Povidone-Iodine and Fluoride Varnish in a Remote Indigenous Community in Australia.

This study evaluates the effect of a topical intervention comprising of fissure sealant, povidone-iodine, and fluoride varnish in preventing caries on occlusal, approximal, and smooth surfaces. This three-year clinical trial was conducted in a remote Indigenous community of Australia. All schoolchildren (age range: 4–17) were invited to participate; those with parental consents to receive three-annual epidemiological examinations and interventions constituted the experimental group, while those with consents for only the epidemiological examination formed a comparison group. The intervention group received an annual application of fissure sealant, povidone–iodine and fluoride varnish for two consecutive years along with the restoration of any cavitated lesions, while the comparison group did not receive any intervention except for the usual care that included emergency treatment and restorations. Incipient and advanced caries were recorded in the permanent dentition while data on confounding variables were collected through questionnaires. Caries increment and progression were the outcome variables. A total of 408 children participated in the baseline examination, 208 finished the study. After adjusting for confounders, the prevented fraction (PF) on occlusal surfaces for advanced caries in the experimental group was 76.1% (mean difference- −0.35, 95% CI: −0.67–0.04), while the PF for progression from incipient to advanced caries was 100%(mean difference- −0.30, 95% CI: −0.52–0.09). The mean number of smooth surfaces that progressed from incipient to advanced caries in the comparison group was more than twice that of the experimental group, the mean difference was −0.25 (95% CI: −0.46–−0.03) with a PF of 61%. The intervention was only effective in preventing advanced caries on occlusal surfaces and in halting the progression of caries on occlusal and smooth surfaces but not on approximal caries.

Microleakage of a Self-Adhesive Flowable Composite, a Self-Adhesive Fissure Sealant and a Conventional Fissure Sealant in Permanent Teeth with/without Saliva Contamination

Objectives: Application of fissure sealants is a practical method for prevention of occlusal pit and fissure caries. Microleakage is an important factor affecting the success of fissure sealant treatment. This study aimed to assess the microleakage of a self-adhesive flowable composite, a self-adhesive fissure sealant and a conventional fissure sealant in permanent teeth with/without saliva contamination.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This in vitro, experimental study evaluated 108 extracted human third molars, which were randomly divided into six groups (n=18) of control, Denu-Seal conventional fissure sealant applied on etched enamel with/without saliva contamination, Vertise Flow self-adhesive flowable composite applied on rinsed and dried enamel with/without saliva contamination and Prevent Seal self-adhesive fissure sealant applied on rinsed and dried enamel with/without saliva contamination. Microleakage was assessed using the dye penetration technique and subsequent observation of samples under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey’s test.&#x0D; Results: Microleakage of the conventional fissure sealant with/without saliva contamination was significantly lower than that of other groups (P&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Microleakage of the conventional fissure sealant is less than that of self-adhesive fissure sealant and self-adhesive composite, irrespective of saliva contamination.

Microleakage of a Self-Adhesive Flowable Composite, a Self-Adhesive Fissure Sealant and a Conventional Fissure Sealant in Permanent Teeth with/without Saliva Contamination.

Objectives:Application of fissure sealants is a practical method for prevention of occlusal pit and fissure caries. Microleakage is an important factor affecting the success of fissure sealant treatment. This study aimed to assess the microleakage of a self-adhesive flowable composite, a self-adhesive fissure sealant and a conventional fissure sealant in permanent teeth with/without saliva contamination.Materials and Methods:This in vitro, experimental study evaluated 108 extracted human third molars, which were randomly divided into six groups (n=18) of control, Denu-Seal conventional fissure sealant applied on etched enamel with/without saliva contamination, Vertise Flow self-adhesive flowable composite applied on rinsed and dried enamel with/without saliva contamination and Prevent Seal self-adhesive fissure sealant applied on rinsed and dried enamel with/without saliva contamination. Microleakage was assessed using the dye penetration technique and subsequent observation of samples under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey’s test.Results:Microleakage of the conventional fissure sealant with/without saliva contamination was significantly lower than that of other groups (P<0.05).Conclusion:Microleakage of the conventional fissure sealant is less than that of self-adhesive fissure sealant and self-adhesive composite, irrespective of saliva contamination.

Influence of Er:YAG Laser on Objective and Subjective Parameters of Stress during Sealant Application in Children.

Acceptance of lasers as alternatives and accessory tools to traditional methods in dental medicine has created an explosion of interest. Er:YAG laser is recommended for enamel conditioning. There is no study evaluating the anxiety in children during fissure sealing procedures when using Er:YAG laser compared to the routine application technique. To evaluate the objective and subjective stress parameters in children during a preventive procedure when using Er:YAG laser for additional enamel conditioning before pit and fissure sealant application compared to the routine clinical application technique. The study included sixty-four 6-12-year-old children, divided into two equal treatment groups. A standardized fissure sealant application was performed, as in the intervention group before acid etching, the occlusal surfaces of teeth were conditioned with Er:YAG laser (2940 nm). During the procedure, objective and subjective stress parameters were recorded. Significantly lower degree of dental anxiety was found at the end of the dental visit of the study group (p<0.001). During the professional cleaning of the tooth surface, the mean heart rate was low (95.55±14.29 bpm) within the physiological normal range. The objective and subjective stress parameters show no significant differences between the two subgroups during sealing procedure (p>0.05). Application of Er:YAG laser during sealant application does not provoke anxiety and is well accepted by children in dental environment. Preventive procedures at the beginning of a dental visit decrease the initial levels of dental anxiety and contribute to an effective treatment process.

Differences in the number of bacteria colony in saliva before and after pit and fissure sealant application

The level of oral health is strongly influenced by the level of bacterial colonies in saliva. One of the diseases in the oral cavity that can occur as a result of bacterial growth is dental caries. One of the precautions to prevent caries is by using the application of pit and fissure sealant. The effective material as a pit and fissure sealant is Bis-GMA. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in the number of salivary bacterial colonies before and after application of pit and fissure sealant. The research was a quasi experimental study. The study design used is pre and post test with control group design using the research subject pediatric patients age 6-12 years old in one of the dental clinic in Makassar and the subject meet the criteria. The process of saliva gathering is done before and after the application of pit and fissure sealant from 15 pediatric patients which was bred to 30 salivary bacterial colonies in the laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University. Salivary bacterial colonies that have been bred consisted of 15 salivary bacterial colonies before treatment and 15 salivary bacterial colonies after treatment. Calculation of the number of salivary bacterial colonies is done by using the CFU / ml counting method. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test in SPSS. The results of Wilcoxon signed-rank test to see the difference in the number of salivary bacterial colonies before and after application of pit and fissure sealant obtained a significant result (p<0.05). There is a significant difference in the number of bacterial colonies in saliva before and after application of pit and fissure sealant that is visible from the decrease in the number of bacterial colonies in saliva after the application of pit and fissure sealant.

A comparative study of fluoride release from two different sealants.

Objectives: The introduction of fluoride releasing sealants and glass ionomer cements as fissure sealants adds another dimension to prevention of pit and fissure caries. The ability of resin sealants and glass ionomer cements to release fluoride on a long term basis to the sealed enamel and the adjacent unsealed pit and fissure and cuspal incline enamel may allow for further reduction in pit and fissure caries experience for children. Hence, the study was conducted to compare the amount of fluoride release in the plaque after placing fluoride releasing pit and fissure sealants and glass ionomer fissure sealants used in Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) approach. To compare the fluoride release of both the materials at the different time intervals. Material and Methods: A total of 60 school going children were included in this study. Before application of the sealants, baseline plaque fluoride levels were estimated from all the study subjects. After application of sealants again the same was estimated at an interval of 24 hour, 9 days, 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Results: The peak plaque fluoride levels were achieved at 24 hours after application of fissure sealants in all the groups. Conclusions: Within the limitation of the study, the present study indicated that fluoride releasing fissure sealants may act as a source of fluoride in plaque which will help in preventing pit and fissure and smooth surface caries in the tooth sealed with fissure sealants. Key words:Plaque fluoride, pit and fissures sealants, dental caries.

Enamel pretreatment with Er:YAG laser: effects on the microleakage of fissure sealant in fluorosed teeth.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microleakage and penetration of fissure sealant in permanent molar teeth with fluorosis after pretreatment of the occlusal surface.Materials and MethodsA total of 120 third molars with mild dental fluorosis were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 20). The tooth surfaces were sealed with an unfilled resin fissure sealant (FS) material. The experimental groups included: 1) phosphoric acid etching (AE) + FS (control); 2) AE + One-Step Plus (OS, Bisco) + FS; 3) bur + AE + FS; 4) bur + AE + OS + FS; 5) Er:YAG laser + AE + FS; and 6) Er:YAG laser + AE + OS + FS. After thermocycling, the teeth were immersed in 0.5% fuchsin and sectioned. Proportions of mircoleakage (PM) and unfilled area (PUA) were measured by digital microscope.ResultsOverall, there were significant differences among all groups in the PM (p = 0.00). Group 3 showed the greatest PM, and was significantly different from groups 2 to 6 (p < 0.05). Group 6 showed the lowest PM. Pretreatment with Er:YAG with or without adhesive led to less PM than bur pretreatment. There were no significant differences among groups in PUA.ConclusionsConventional acid etching provided a similar degree of occlusal seal in teeth with fluorosis compared to those pretreated with a bur or Er:YAG laser. Pretreatment of pits and fissures with Er:YAG in teeth with fluorosis may be an alternative method before fissure sealant application.

The effect of different enamel surface treatments on microleakage of fissure sealants

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different techniques of surface treatment on the microleakage of fissure sealants in permanent molar teeth in vitro. 96 extracted impacted human third molars were randomly divided into 8 surface treatment groups (n=12/group) as 1. Er: YAG laser ; (Fidelis II, Fotona, Ljubljana, Slovenia) (125 mj, 20Hz) ; 2. Er: YAG laser + 37% H3PO4 (15s) ; 3. ER: AG laser + 37% H3PO4+Prime&Bond NT ; 4. Er: YAG laser + G Bond ; 5. Er: YAG laser + Prime&Bond NT ; 6. 37% H3PO4 ; 7. 37% H3PO4 + Prime&Bond NT ; 8. G Bond. Sealant material (Clinpro, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany), was applied into the fissures and light-cured for 20s with LED (Bluephase C5, Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein). Specimens were subjected to thermocycling (1000×, 5-55°C, dwell time: 15s) and immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin solution for 24h at 37°C. The samples were sectioned and scored on a 3 point rating scale using a light microscope with a magnification of ×20. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze data. Multiple comparisons were analyzed using Bonferroni test (p=0.05). Er:YAG laser showed the highest microleakage scores whereas Er YAG laser + 37% H3PO4 showed the lowest. Although 37% H3PO4 group showed higher scores than Er:YAG laser + 37% H3PO4, the difference was not statistically significant. Etching fissures with phosphoric acid is sufficient prior to fissure sealant application.