An in vitro investigation to optimize the quality of compomer-based fissure sealants.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.
Department of Conservative Dentistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 60120 Heidelberg, Germany. ruediger_reinhardt@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Rüdiger
R
Reinhardt
Annli
A
Wang
Jens
J
Kaltschmitt
Martin J
MJ
Koch
Thomas
T
Pioch
Hans Jörg
HJ
Staehle
Andreas
A
Schulte
D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004396:Coloring Agents; D020770:Compomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008298:Maleates / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008963:Molar / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000737:chemistry*; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D004396:Coloring Agents; D020770:Compomers; C487975:Delton Plus; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents; C088486:Dyract; D008298:Maleates; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids; C425843:Prime and Bond NT; C444699:non-rinse conditioner