Comparative study of microleakage of a pit and fissure sealant placed after preparation by Er:YAG laser in permanent molars.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the microleakage of a pit and fissure sealant on enamel treated with a laser, with and without etching.


METHODS
Sixty non-carious extracted molars were randomly assigned to 2 groups. For both groups, in the mesial halves, the fissures were widened mechanically with a bur and etched for 15 seconds. In group 1, the distal half was prepared with a laser alone; in group 2, a laser was followed by etching. Then the sealant was applied on all teeth.


RESULTS
Laser alone showed the highest number of specimens with microleakage (63%) (P < .02) and the highest mean of microleakage (0.76 mm vs 0.12 mm, 0.17 mm, and 0.18 mm; P < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
No significant difference was noted between the 2 types of enamel preparation when etching was performed. Laser irradiation did not eliminate the need for etching the enamel surface before applying the sealant.
Lupi-Pegurier
Laurence
L
University Hospital, Department of Public Health, Sophia Antipolis, France. lupi@unice.fr
Bertrand
Marie France
MF
Muller-Bolla
Michele
M
Rocca
Jean Paul
JP
Bolla
Marc
M
D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000145:classification*; D004871:Erbium; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008422:Materials Testing; D008751:Methylene Blue; D010756:Phosphoric Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000737:chemistry*; D019246:Tooth Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015019:Yttrium
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003188:Composite Resins; D010756:Phosphoric Acids; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; C106663:Ultra Seal XT; D015019:Yttrium; D004871:Erbium; D008751:Methylene Blue