title: The effect of air-polishing occlusal surfaces on the penetration of fissures by a sealant.
abstract: An in vitro study was performed to assess the depth of penetration of a fissure sealant after cleaning the occlusal surfaces with an air-polishing unit, and to compare the results with those obtained after cleaning with pumice and water and after no cleaning. Forty-six clinically non-carious premolars and permanent molars were randomly distributed into three groups. Following cleaning, etching and fissure sealing, the teeth were sectioned. Each section was examined under a light reflecting microscope and the depth of resin penetration was determined. Fissure cleaning with an air-polishing unit produced a statistically significant increase in depth of penetration of sealant resin, and its use as a standard cleaning method before fissure sealing is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Brocklehurst
authors.forename: R I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Northeast
mesh_terms: D000399:Air Pressure; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003750:Dental Fissures / Q000628:therapy*; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants
chemical_list: D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants