UltraSeal XT Research Articles

Clinical evaluation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic resin-based sealants in uncooperative children: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

This clinical trial aimed to evaluate and compare the retention and cariostatic effects of hydrophilic and hydrophobic resin-based sealants (RBSs) for sealing pits and fissures in the permanent molars of uncooperative children. A split-mouth and double-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted among 6- to 9-year-old uncooperative children. One hundred and four sound mandibular and maxillary first permanent molars were randomly allocated to be sealed with group I (UltraSeal XT® hydro™) or group II (Helioseal-F) in 34 uncooperative children. Clinical evaluation was performed by two investigators using the Color, Coverage and Caries system to assess sealant retention and cariostatic effect at 3-, 6- and 12-month intervals. Data analysis was performed using Friedman's and Mann-Whitney U tests. The final analysis included 31 children with 49 pairs of teeth. No significant differences were observed between the retention and cariostatic effects of hydrophilic and hydrophobic RBSs at the 3-, 6- and 12-month intervals (p = 0.23, p = 0.638, and p = 0.706, respectively) (p = 0.175, p = 0.065, and p = 0.171, respectively). After 12 months of follow-up, the hydrophilic RBSs showed an outcome equivalent to that of conventional hydrophobic RBSs in terms of retention and cariostatic effects. Therefore, hydrophilic RBSs could be considered as the sealing material of choice when isolation is difficult, particularly in uncooperative children.

Microleakage Assessment of Hydrophilic Pit and Fissure Sealants Fortified with Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles-An in Vitro Study

Background and Aim: Pit and fissure sealants play a significant role in preventive dentistry. The sealant's physical properties lend a notable contribution to its long-term success. The invention of nanoscience has led to breakthrough discoveries in improving the mechanical properties of sealants. The current work aimed to evaluate the microleakage of Hydrophilic sealant fortified using silver nanoparticles compared to the Hydrophilic sealant and conventional sealant on permanent molars. Materials and methods: Silver nanoparticles were green synthesized using beetroot extract and incorporated into hydrophilic Ultraseal XT Hydro sealant. A sample of extracted third molars, thirty in number, were allocated randomly to three different groups as follows: Group I: conventional Clinpro sealant, Group II: hydrophilic Ultraseal XT hydro, and Group III: Ultraseal XT hydro fortified with silver nanoparticles. Microleakage assessment was performed using a stereomicroscope. The Kruskal-Wallis test was employed to compare the microleakage values of the three groups. Results: Group III had the lowest values about mean microleakage score , and the highest scores were noted for Group I ( . A statistically significant difference was observed in comparing the three groups employing the Kruskal-Wallis test. Conclusion: The results of the current study have established that the microleakage was the lowest in fortified UltraSeal XT Hydro (Group III) when compared to Ultraseal XT Hydro (Group II) and Clinpro sealant (Group I).

In Vitro Analysis of Hydrophilic and Conventional sealants - A comparative study

Background: According to the World Health Organization, filling up the pits and fissures is one of the most efficient, least invasive ways to completely protect the occlusal surface from the carious phenomena. In vitro tests are essential for quickly delivering the knowledge required about the effectiveness of more recent sealant brands. Consequently, the objective of the current study was to assess and contrast the viscosity and length of resin tags on permanent molars of conventional and hydrophilic sealants. Materials and Methods: Twenty extracted third molars were split into two groups at random, one receiving conventional sealant (Clinpro 3M ESPE), and the other receiving hydrophilic sealant (UltraSeal XT Hydro). Each tooth's occlusal surfaces underwent an acid etchant pretreatment before the appropriate sealants were applied. Afterwards thermocycling and longitudinal sectioning were applied to both groups. For the purpose of measuring the length of the resin tag, the sectioned tooth specimens were examined under a scanning electron microscope. An Anton Paar viscometer was used to measure viscosities. The difference between the mean resin tag length of Group I and Group II sealants was compared using an independent t-test. Results: The mean resin tag length of Group II (10.07+/- 1.01m) was found to be higher than Group I (7.49+/- 0.94m), and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001). The viscosity measurements of Groups I and II were determined to be 0.8 mega Pascal (MPa) and 0.6 MPa, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the current investigation, it can be said that Group II sealants generated resin tags of sufficient length and had lower viscosities than Group I sealants. Thus, a hydrophilic sealant outperformed a conventional sealant in terms of performance.

Caries-inhibiting Effect of Microencapsulated Active Components in Pit and Fissure Sealants.

The aim of the present in vitro study was to examine the caries-inhibiting effect of a pit and fissure sealant (PFS) containing ion-releasing microcapsules under cariogenic conditions in a biofilm artificial mouth. Forty-eight human third molars were divided into four groups (n=12 per group). Fissures were extended with burs and sealed with experimental PFS. The four groups of specimens were treated as follows: 1) EPFS 1: EPFS (Premier Dental) of increasing viscosity, containing microcapsules loaded with remineralizing agents (calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions); 2) US: fluoride-releasing PFS (UltraSeal XT plus, UltraDent Products, South Jordan, UT, USA); 3) EPFS 2: experimental PFS of constant viscosity containing microcapsules loaded with calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions; and 4) FT: glass ionomer cement (GIC) (GC Fuji Triage CAPSULE WHITE glass ionomer cement, GC Europe NV, Leuven, Belgium). FT and US were used as control groups. EPFS 1 and EPFS 2 were the experimental groups. Specimens were stored in distilled water for 14 days at 37°C, subjected to 10,000 thermocycles (5°C and 55°C) and finally exposed to microbiological cycling in a Streptococcus mutans-based artificial mouth for 10 days. Replicas were made for scanning electron microscopic (SEM) evaluation and specimens were cut for fluorescence microscopy. Overall demineralization depths at the margin of Fuji Triage were significantly shallower than in the other groups (p<0.05). Overall demineralization depths adjacent to the experimental pit and fissure sealant EPFS 2 (59±15 μm) were comparable to the values of the resin-based pit and fissure sealant UltraSeal XT plus (58±10 μm, p≥0.05). SEM revealed surface roughness of the GIC-based PFS. The experimental PFS with microcapsules containing active components for remineralization did not show a caries-inhibiting effect compared to a fluoride-releasing resin-based PFS. Lower demineralization depths adjacent to GIC sealants indicate an anticariogenic effect through fluoride ion release.

Medical and economic efficiency of dental caries prevention through the use of fluoride sealant in schoolchildren

Aim. To study the medical and economic efficiency of the program for the prevention of dental caries using UltraSeal XT among schoolchildren of Kazan.&#x0D; Methods. In 2013, 200 schoolchildren from Kazan seen in the Republican Dental Clinic of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan (100 boys and girls aged 78) were selected. All patients were divided into two groups with similar distributions of sex and age: the test (main) group and control group. In the test group Sealants, the fissures of the first permanent molars were sealed with a composite fluorine-containing sealant according to the manufacturer's instructions. The control group was formed from children without dental sealants. The oral health assessment of children is reflected in the Examination Cards. Average indices of the severity of dental caries were determined (the number of decayed, filled and missing primary/permanent teeth dmft/DMFT). Re-examination of children was carried out in 2016 with the determination of the same indicators. The economic analysis was carried out using the method of mathematical modeling. Statistical processing was performed in Microsoft Office Excel 2017.&#x0D; Results. The use of sealants at the age of 78 years provided a lower level of caries severity in deciduous teeth (4.093.0; p 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the DMFT score of permanent teeth in children aged 78 years in the test group and the dmft score of deciduous teeth of children in the control group (p 0.05). The DMFT score in the permanent teeth of children in the test group of this age cohort (78 years old) was 0.660.95. The mean severity of dental caries DMFT index of 12-year-olds children with permanent dentition in the test group was 0.771.07, which is 1.52 more healthy teeth than in the control group DMFT score 2.291.59 (t=4.01; p 0.01). The medical and economic efficiency of the fluoride prevention of dental caries in 12-year-olds schoolchildren through the use of a composite fluorine-containing sealant is expressed in the eradication of caries (less than 1 affected tooth according to the World Health Organization classification) and amounts to 437.38 rubles of notional saved costs per child for sealing versus dental treatment.&#x0D; Conclusion. The use of a fluoride composite material reduces the severity of dental caries in children and the notional saved costs for sealing teeth.

Evaluación bajo microscopio electrónico de barrido de sellantes de fosas y fisuras hidrófobos e hidrófilos, bajo diferentes condiciones de humedad: Un estudio in vitro

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de diferentes marcas de selladores de fosas y fisuras hidrófobos e hidrófilos en Microscopio electrónico de barrido de emisión de campo (MEB-EC) expuestos a humedad relativa. Materiales y Métodos: Se utilizaron 40 premolares extraídos con fines ortodóncicos, se dividieron al azar en 8 grupos: Grupo 1: sellador Clinpro® (ambiente seco), Grupo 2: sellador Clinpro® (ambiente húmedo), Grupo 3: sellador Embrace WetBond® (ambiente seco), Grupo 4: sellador Embrace Wet-Bond® (ambiente húmedo), Grupo 5: sellador UltraSeal XT Hydro® (ambiente seco), Grupo 6: sellador UltraSeal XT Hydro® (ambiente húmedo), Grupo 7: sellador UltraSeal XT Plus® (ambiente seco) y el Grupo 8 sellador UltraSeal XT Plus® (ambiente húmedo). Resultados: El Grupo 1 (Clinpro®/ambiente seco) Mostró valores de adhesión al esmalte superiores, de forma estadísticamente significativa, en relación a los demás grupos y mejor calidad en la formación de “tags” en comparación con los otros grupos, independientemente si el ambiente era seco o húmedo. Conclusiones: Los selladores Clinpro 3M®, utilizados en condiciones secas o de relativa humedad demostró tener buenos resultados. La resina fluida UltraSeal XT Plus® utilizada en condiciones húmedas no proporcionó buenos resultados observándose poca formación de tags; los selladores hidrófilos (Embrace Wetbond ® y UltraSeal XT Hydro®) utilizados en un ambiente húmedo tenían una capacidad de adaptación, observándose buena formación de tags; Los selladores hidrófilos usados en ambientes secos no se adaptan a la superficie y tienen una tendencia a fallar en lo que respecta a la adhesión.

In Vitro Evaluation of Different Protocols for Preventing Microleakage of Fissure Sealants Placed Following Saliva Contamination.

To evaluate the effect of different enamel conditioning protocols and their re-application on the microleakage of fissure sealants placed following saliva contamination. The study included 156 human third molars in 16 subgroups (2×4×2) under two main groups (sealant type): Group A- hydrophobic resin sealant, 3M Clinpro™ Sealant; Group B- hydrophilic resin sealant, Ultraseal XT Hydro. Each group was then divided according to the type of surface conditioning; 1- Er,Cr:YSSG laser etching, 2- acid-etching, 3- acid-etching+etch-and-rinse adhesive (Prime&Bond® One Select) and 4- self-etching adhesive (Clearfil™ SE Bond). After contaminating the conditioned occlusal enamel surfaces with artificial saliva, fissure sealant was applied in half of the specimens (a), whereas in the other half, (b) the respective surface conditioning was repeated and then fissure sealant was placed. Following thermocycling, the samples were immersed in basic fuchsin, sectioned, and dye penetration was quantitatively assessed with ImageJ. Two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used for statistical analyses (p<0.05). The least microleakage was observed in A3b and A3a, whereas B4b and B4a were the subgroups with the highest microleakage. Following saliva contamination, when surface conditioning was not re-applied, the effects of fissure sealant types and surface conditioning were significant (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively). However, their interaction was insignificant (p=0.173). When surface conditioning was re-applied after saliva contamination, the effects of type of fissure sealant and surface conditioning (p=0.000, for both) and their interaction (p=0.004) were significant. 3M Clinpro™ Sealant was superior to Ultraseal XT Hydro. Re-application of Er,Cr:YSSG laser and the self-etching adhesive did not affect the microleakage of both fissure sealants. Without re-application, acid-etching+etch-and-rinse adhesive was superior to acid-etching only. However, both of them were similarly successful when they were re-applied following saliva contamination.

ФИССУРНЫЙ КАРИЕС: ПРОФИЛАКИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ КУРАЦИИ В УСЛОВИЯХ ШКОЛЬНОГО СТОМАТОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО КАБИНЕТА

Subject. The problem of fissure caries remains one of the key in modern cariesology. For individual prevention, the most effective is the method of sealing fissures and fossae of the surface of the teeth. By sealing (sealing) fissures, the creation of a physical barrier for cariogenic factors and microbial plaque, remineralization of hard tooth tissues is achieved.&#x0D; The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of fissure sealing in 9-year-old children living in Kazan.&#x0D; Methodology. The study was conducted using the clinical method and statistical analysis of the data. In total, 137 children aged 9 years old, studying in the third grades of the gymnasium No. 102 of Kazan, took part in it. The main group included 82 schoolchildren who performed non-invasive fissure sealing (the first permanent molars) with UltraSeal XT plus sealant, the comparison group consisted of 55 students who did not have fissure sealing.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results. After 12 months, out of 165 teeth previously coated with sealant, sealant on 95 teeth was completely preserved (57.6 % of cases), sealant fell out or partially retained (tooth is intact) in 36.4 %, fissure caries at the place of sealant was detected in 6.1 % The effectiveness of fissure sealing, which consists in maintaining a healthy masticatory surface of hard tooth tissues, after 12 months of follow-up was 91.9 % with a reduction of caries of 76.7 %. A comparison of the data clearly showed that the condition of the first molars, which was used to seal the fissures, allows us to talk about the preservation of intact fissures in 88 % of cases, while 56 % of unsealed molars are prone to caries of fissures and only 44 % remain intact after a year.&#x0D; Conclusions. A clinical study confirms that sealing fissures is a reliable and reasonable method for the prevention of fissure caries.

Antibacterial activity of new hydrophilic sealants: In vitro study.

Pits and fissures sealing and modulation of oral microbiota through probiotics are important preventive measures against dental decays. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of the Embrace™ WetBond™ Pit and Fissure Sealant (Pulpdent, USA) and UltraSeal XT® Hydro™ (Ultradent, USA) against selected oral bacteria and probiotics. The antibacterial effect of both sealants was tested both through planktonic growth inhibition test - 96-well microtiter plates and agar disk diffusion assay containing light-cured Embrace™ and UltraSeal XT® against Streptococcus mutans and two oral probiotics (Streptococcus salivarius and Lactobacillus reuteri). Embrace™ showed a stronger and broad activity against all the bacterial strains tested (P < 0.05) in planktonic growth inhibition test even at its lowest dose (10 μl), with inhibition rates higher than 90% in all cases. UltraSeal XT® Hydro™ showed a mild antibacterial activity against L. reuteri, with growth inhibition rates being 19% and 23% for 20 μl and 50 μl, respectively. Regarding agar disk diffusion test, both sealants showed exclusively an antibacterial activity by contact. According to these findings, it is recommended to carefully plan the timing for the administration of different preventive interventions, such as oral probiotics assumption and sealant application, to maximize their specific effectiveness. We suggest prescribing oral probiotics first and putting off the Embrace™ sealant application to the end of probiotic treatment. On the contrary, it is possible to administer L. reuteri simultaneously with the application of UltraSeal XT® since it elicits a minimal antibacterial action against this oral probiotic.

Effect of Light Cure Methods for Intermediate Adhesive Layer on Microleakage of Sealants. An in Vitro Study.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of an adhesive layer and its photopolymerization on the microleakage of sealants. Study design: 0.5mm-deep standardized fissurectomies were performed on extracted molars (n = 72). Teeth were randomly assigned to 3 different sealant materials (n = 24/group). Teeth were further divided to receive sealants with or without an adhesive layer. Each sealant with adhesive was also divided into two groups: adhesive was light-cured separately or light cured together with the sealant. Following thermocycling, microleakage was assessed using dye penetration and image analysis. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's studentized ranged HSD tests. Results: Microleakage was not affected by type of sealant material (p>0.05) but was significantly influenced by application (p<0.05). Overall, placement of sealants without adhesive displayed greater microleakage than sealants with uncured adhesive (p<0.05). Within individual sealant types, this difference was only significant for Ultraseal XT (p<0.05). Sealants bonded with and without prior light curing did not show a significant difference in levels of leakage (Tukey's Studentized Range Test, p>0.05). Conclusion: An adhesive layer should be placed beneath sealants, but whether it should be light cured or left uncured before sealant placement varies by the sealant type.

Comparative Evaluation of Retention, Cariostatic Effect and Discoloration of Conventional and Hydrophilic Sealants - A Single Blinded Randomized Split Mouth Clinical Trial.

Introduction:Pit and fissures are approximately eight times vulnerable than the smooth surface caries lesion. Sealants are effective in preventing, arresting, and progression of pit-and-fissure occlusal caries lesions. The failure of sealant resin-based retention is mainly attributed to the moisture contamination. To overcome this drawback, UltraSeal XT® hydro, a moisture-friendly sealant, has been introduced.Aim:This study aimed to compare and evaluate the retention, cariostatic effect, and discoloration of conventional Clinpro™ 3M™ ESPE™ and hydrophilic UltraSeal XT® sealants among 12 to 15-year-old schoolchildren for 3 months.Materials and Methods:A single-blinded, randomized, split-mouth clinical trial was conducted among thirty schoolchildren aged 12–15 years. Sealants used in the present study were Group I – Clinpro™ and Group II – UltraSeal XT® hydro. Sealants were provided in the school by two operators based on the computer-generated random sequence and the study participants were evaluated after 3 months for sealant coverage, caries incidence, and discoloration using Color, Coverage and Caries sealant evaluation system. Sealant coverage between the two sealants was compared using Mann–Whitney U-test and Z-test for proportions.Results:A total of 47 teeth (78.3%) with UltraSeal XT® Hydro had the sealant covering in all the fissures compared to Clinpro™ 3M™ ESPE™ which was 46.7% (28 teeth) and the difference was observed to be statistically significant.Conclusion:Hydrophilic UltraSeal XT® Hydro yielded better sealant coverage (retention) compared to the conventional Clinpro™ 3M™ ESPE™. No difference was observed with regard to cariostatic effect and discoloration.

Comparative Evaluation of the Viscosity and Length of Resin Tags of Conventional and Hydrophilic Pit and Fissure Sealants on Permanent Molars: An In vitro Study.

Background:The World Health Organization considers sealing the pit and fissures as a primary preventive measure and is one of the most effective, least invasive means to ensure the complete protection of the occlusal surface from the carious phenomenon. In vitro tests play a vital role in providing the necessary information regarding the efficacy of newer brands of sealants in a short period. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the viscosity and length of resin tag of conventional and hydrophilic sealant on permanent molars.Materials and Methods:Twenty extracted third molars were randomly divided into two groups: Group I: Conventional sealant (Clinpro 3M ESPE) and Group II: Hydrophilic sealant (UltraSeal XT Hydro). Occlusal surfaces of each tooth were pretreated with the acid etchant, and the respective sealants were placed. Both the groups were then subjected to thermocycling and sectioned longitudinally. The sectioned tooth specimens were examined under scanning electron microscope for resin tag length measurements. Viscosities were evaluated using an Anton Paar viscometer. Independent t-test was used to compare the difference in mean resin tag length of Group I and Group II sealants.Results:Viscosity measurements of Group I and Group II were found to be 0.9 mega Pascal (MPa) and 0.7 MPa and the mean resin tag length of Group II (10.03 ± 1.00 μm) was found to be higher than Group I (7.46 ± 0.95 μm) and was found to be significant statistically (P = 0.001).Conclusion:Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that Group II sealant exhibited lower viscosity and formed resin tag of sufficient length than that of Group I sealants. Therefore, hydrophilic sealant showed better results as compared to a conventional sealant.

Effect of Er:YAG laser enamel conditioning and moisture on the microleakage of a hydrophilic sealant

For a given sealant, successful pit and fissure sealing is principally governed by the enamel conditioning technique and the presence of moisture contamination. A new generation of hydrophilic resin sealants is reported to tolerate moisture. This study investigates the impact of Er:YAG laser pre-conditioning and moisture contamination on the microleakage of a recent hydrophilic sealant. Occlusal surfaces of extracted human molars were either acid etched (n = 30), or successively lased and acid etched (n = 30). Ten teeth from each group were either air-dried, water-contaminated, or saliva-contaminated prior to sealing with UltraSeal XT® hydro™. Samples were inspected for penetration of fuchsin dye following 3000 thermocycles between 5 and 50 °C, and the enamel–sealant interfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Significant differences in microleakage were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U test with Bonferroni adjustment (p = 0.05). Laser pre-conditioning significantly reduced dye penetration irrespective of whether the enamel surface was moist or dry. Microleakage of water-contaminated acid etched teeth was significantly greater than that of their air-dried or saliva-contaminated counterparts. SEM analysis demonstrated good adaptation in all groups with the exception of water-contaminated acid etched teeth which exhibited relatively wide gaps. In conclusion, this hydrophilic sealant tolerates the presence of saliva, although water was found to impair its sealing ability. Laser pre-conditioning significantly decreases microleakage in all cases.

The impact of Er:YAG laser enamel conditioning on the microleakage of a new hydrophilic sealant--UltraSeal XT hydro.

UltraSeal XT® hydro™ is a new hydrophilic, light-cured, methacrylate-based pit and fissure sealant which has been developed by Ultradent Products, USA. The sealant is highly filled with a 53 wt.% mixture of inorganic particles which confer both thixotropy and radiopacity. The principal purpose of this study was to investigate the microleakage of UltraSeal XT® hydro™ as a function of different enamel etching techniques. The occlusal surfaces of sound, extracted human molars were either acid etched, Er:YAG laser irradiated or successively laser irradiated and acid etched. UltraSeal XT® hydro™ was applied to each group of teeth (n = 10) which were subjected to a thermocycling process consisting of 2500 cycles between 5 and 50 °C with a dwell time of 30 s. Microleakage assessments were then carried out using 0.5 % fuchsin dye and optical microscopy. The microleakage score data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann–Whitney U test with Bonferroni adjustment. No significant differences in microleakage were noted between the individually acid etched and laser-irradiated groups (p > 0.05); however, teeth treated with a combination of laser irradiation and acid etching demonstrated significantly lower microleakage scores (p < 0.001). Electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis revealed that the mineral filler component of UltraSeal XT® hydro™ essentially comprises micrometre-sized particles of inorganic silicon-, aluminium- and barium-bearing phases. Laser etching increases the roughness of the enamel surface which causes a concentrated zoning of the filler particles at the enamel-sealant interface.

Curing of pit & fissure sealants using Light Emitting Diode curing units.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) curing units are attractive to clinicians, because most are cordless and should create less heat within tooth structure. However, questions about polymerization efficacy have surrounded this technology. This research evaluated the adequacy of the depth of cure of pit & fissure sealants provided by LED curing units. Optilux (OP) and Elipar Highlight (HL) high intensity halogen and Astralis 5 (A5) conventional halogen lights were used for comparison. The Light Emitting Diode (LED) curing units were Allegro (AL), LE Demetron I (DM), FreeLight (FL), UltraLume 2(UL), UltraLume 5 (UL5) and VersaLux (VX). Sealants used in the study were UltraSeal XT plus Clear (Uclr), Opaque (Uopq) and Teethmate F-1 Natural (Kclr) and Opaque (Kopq). Specimens were fabricated in a brass mold (2 mm thick x 6 mm diameter) and placed between two glass slides (n=5). Each specimen was cured from the top surface only. One hour after curing, four Knoop Hardness readings were made for each top and bottom surface at least 1 mm from the edge. The bottom to top (B/T) KHN ratio was calculated. Groups were fabricated with 20 and 40-second exposure times. In addition, a group using a 1 mm-thick mold was fabricated using an exposure time of 20 seconds. Differences between lights for each material at each testing condition were determined using one-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls Post-hoc test (alpha=0.05). There was no statistical difference between light curing units for Uclr cured in a 1-mm thickness for 20 seconds or cured in a 2 mm-thickness for 40 seconds. All other materials and conditions showed differences between light curing units. Both opaque materials showed significant variations in B/T KHN ratios dependent upon the light-curing unit.

Analysis of anticaries potential of pit and fissures sealants containing amorphous calcium phosphate using synchrotron microtomography.

The aim of this study was to analyze the anticaries potential of pit and fissure sealants containing amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) by synchrotron microtomography. Bovine enamel blocks (4×4 mm; n=50) were selected through surface hardness (Knoop) analysis. Slabs were obtained through cross-sections taken 1 mm from the border of the enamel. Five indentations, spaced 100 μm apart, were made 300 μm from the border. Ten specimens were prepared for each tested material (Ultraseal XT plus TM, Aegis, Embrace, Vitremer and Experimental Sealant). The materials were randomly attached to the sectioned surfaces of the enamel blocks and fixed with sticky wax. The specimens were submitted to pH cycling. After that, the surface hardness (SH1) was determined, and the blocks were submitted to synchrotron microcomputed tomography analysis to calculate the mineral concentration (ΔgHAp cm(-3)) at different areas of the enamel. The comparison between the SH1 and ΔgHAp cm(-3) showed a correlation for all groups (r=0.840; p<0.001). The fluoride groups presented positive values of ΔgHAp cm(-3), indicating a mineral gain that was observed mainly in the outer part of the enamel. The ACP showed mineral loss in the outer enamel compared with fluoride groups, although it inhibited the demineralization in the deeper areas of enamel. The combination of two remineralizing agents (fluoride and ACP) was highly effective in preventing demineralization.

Depth of cure of sealants polymerized with high-power light emitting diode curing lights

To determine whether recommended short curing times of three high-power light emitting diode (LED) curing lights are sufficient to polymerize sealant materials. Opaque-unfilled sealant (Delton LC Opaque), opaque-filled sealant (UltraSeal XT plus), and clear-filled sealant (FluroShield) were light cured in a covered slot-mold using the manufacturers' shortest recommended curing times with three high-power LED lights (3-s VALO, 5-s Fusion, 10-s Smartlite). A 40-s cure with a quartz-tungsten halogen (QTH) light was used as control. Vickers hardness was measured 24 h after curing at the sealant surface and through the depth (0.5 mm increments) (N = 10). Results were analyzed with two-way anova (pair-wise multiple comparisons, significance level 0.05). The high-power LEDs did not cure the sealants as deep as the QTH. Delton LC Opaque showed the least depth of cure as hardness values beyond a depth of 0.5 mm were not measurable regardless of the curing light. Even for UltraSeal XT plus, when surface hardness was about the same with all lights, hardness decreased more rapidly with depth for the LEDs. FluroShield showed the slowest decline in hardness through the depth for all lights. Manufacturers' recommendations for shortest possible curing time with high-power LEDs were not sufficient for adequate polymerization of the tested sealants.

Quantification of elutable substances from methacrylate based sealers and their cytotoxicity effect on with human gingival fibroblasts

ObjectivesPrevious studies have shown that resin composites may cause persistent inflammation of oral or pulpal tissues as well as cell death through eluted substances. The aim of this study was to investigate the leaching of ingredients from commercial dental fissure sealers as well as their cytotoxic effects on human gingival fibroblast (HGF). MethodsThe sealers tested were: Helioseal® F, Helioseal® Refill, Fissurit® F, Grandio® Seal, Ultraseal XT® plus and Delton® FS. Ten discs of each sealer were respectively immersed in methanol or water and incubated at 37°C. The eluates were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry at day 1, 3 and 7. In the XTT-test, eight discs of each fissure sealer were immersed into medium. The eluates of the respective sealer were mixed and used undiluted and diluted with medium. HGF were incubated with the dilutions at 37°C for 24h. Then XTT-salt was added and the XTT-formazan formation was quantified. ResultsIn eluates from polymerized sealers, comonomers (triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)) and additives were found (e.g. camphorquinone (CQ), butylated hydroxytoluene, triphenylstibane). 7 d after the beginning of the experiments the highest amount of TEGDMA was found in the aqueous eluate from Grandio® Seal (9944.31 (2250.56)μmol/l). The most cytotoxic eluate found in the XTT-test was from Fissurit® F (EC50 value at 27.13 (7.04)%; (mean(SD)). SignificanceBecause of the use of sealers in preventative dental medicine it should be taken into account that substances like TEGDMA or CQ, that are often causing allergic reactions, are elutable. Before using the sealers patients should be asked for allergic reactions to these substances.

Effect of artificial aging on the bond durability of fissure sealants.

To evaluate the effect of artificial aging on the bond durability of fissure sealants in vitro. Twenty bovine incisors received 4 different sealant treatments and were divided into four groups: 1. Ultraseal XT plus (UX); 2. Enamel Loc (EL); 3. 35% phosphoric acid plus Enamel Loc (PEL); 4. Adper Prompt L-Pop plus Clinpro (PPC). Beam-shaped specimens were prepared and randomly divided into three subgroups. One subgroup underwent the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test after 24-h storage in 37°C water. The other two subgroups were also subjected to the microtensile bond strength test after 5000 and 10,000 thermal cycles, respectively. Another twelve intact human third molars were sealed using 1 of 3 methods and were divided into 3 groups of 4 each: 1. Ultraseal XT plus; 2. Adper Prompt L-Pop plus Clinpro; and 3. Enamel Loc. Two specimens from each group were immersed in a 50% silver nitrate solution for 24 h, followed by exposure to fluorescent light for 8 h, before being scanned in a micro-CT (microcomputer tomography) machine. The other two were handled in the same way after undergoing 10,000 thermal cycles. The CT images obtained were evaluated. All samples from the EL group were broken during preparation, so no µTBS results were available. After 5000 thermal cycles, the bond strengths of the three other groups (UX, PEL, PPC) decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Longer thermocycling (10,000 cycles) resulted in more decreases in µTBS for group PEL and PPC, while the strength of the UX group remained relatively unchanged. After thermocycling, considerable silver penetration could be seen at the sealant/enamel interface of the EL group in micro-CT images. The etch-and-rinse procedure for sealant application promotes higher bond strength under artificial aging. Micro-CT, a nondestructive analytical tool, may be used to evaluate the sealant/enamel interface effectively.

Sealability of Filled and Unfilled Fissure Sealants using Two Different drying agents

To evaluate and compare the effect of two different drying agents (PrimaDry and Ethyl alcohol 95% concentration.) on microleakage of filled (Ultraseal XT plus) and unfilled (Helioseal) fissure sealants in vivo and in vitro. A total of 60 extracted human upper and lower first premolars from15 adult healthy patients were divided into 2 groups 30 in vivo (Teeth were extracted 3 months after sealant application), and 30 in vitro (Teeth were stored 3 months in normal saline) each group were subdivided into 2 subgroups 15 sealed with filled (Ultraseal XT plus), while the other 15 were sealed with unfilled (Helioseal), each subgroup was subdivided into 3 classes composed of (5) premolars according to drying agent used: B0) without drying agent. B1) PrimaDry B2) Ethyl alcohol 95% concentration. After extraction teeth were thoroughly washed with water, cleaned with non-fluoridated (FL) prophylaxis paste. The unsealed were sealed after 3 months of storage in saline solution (in vitro).The occlusal surfaces were opened using tapered diamond fissure burs confined to enamel. Fissure sealant application was done following the manufacturer's instructions. The drying agent was applied after etching and before sealant application. Dye penetration method with methylene blue dye was used for microleakage assessment. The specimens were immersed in 1% methylene blue for 24h in order to allow dye penetration into possible gaps in the tooth–sealant interface. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally in using diamond saw, each section cleaned, examined and photographed under stereomicroscope at ×20 magnifications to assess dye penetration at the margins of the restorations. Two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. In vivo results revealed that unfilled (Helioseal) achieved significant less microleakage than filled (Ultraseal XT plus) without any drying agent and PrimaDry with either filled or unfilled achieved the least microleakage. While in vitro results showed that both PrimaDry with Filled (Ultraseal XT plus) and Ethyl alcohol 95% concentration with Unfilled (Helioseal) achieved the least microleakage without significant statistical difference. Use of Ultraseal XT plus system according to manufacturer's directions showed the least microleakage both in vivo and in vitro. Use of PrimaDry increased the efficiency of both filled and unfilled fissure sealant.