An in vitro investigation to optimize the quality of compomer-based fissure sealants
Reinhardt, R.üd.; Wang, A.; Kaltschmitt, J.; Koch, M.J.; Pioch, T.; Staehle, H.J.ör.; Schulte, A.
American Journal of Dentistry 17(3): 165-168
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0894-8275 PMID: 15301211 Document Number: 580146
To evaluate if the in vitro quality of preventive fissure sealants made with compomer-based materials can be improved by modifying the method of application. Delton resin-based sealant, Dyract Flow and Dyract Seal compomers were used. The manufacturer's instructions were modified by prolonging the application time of the materials used and by applying the sealer in two layers. Extracted caries-free human molars were fissure sealed under standardized conditions and then exposed to a thermocycling procedure and a dye penetration test. Following the preparation of ground slices the samples were assessed by means of a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Statistical analysis of the results was done using a chi-square test. The modified application of the two-compomer-based fissure sealers improved distinctly the quality of such fissure sealants. This was observed with respect to the criteria sealing ability, absence of pores in the sealant and complete filling of the fissure in wide as well as in narrow fissures. Compomer-based fissure sealants applied with the modified technique were equal to conventional resin-based composite fissure sealants regarding sealing ability and complete filling of the fissure. With respect to absence of pores, compomer-based sealants were superior to resin-based composite sealants.