In vitro microleakage of a fissure sealant polymerized by either a quartz tungsten halogen curing light or a plasma arc curing light.
BACKGROUND
The benefits of using plasma arc curing lights with their shorter curing times in the management of children are potentially great, provided there are no adverse effects.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the microleakage of a resin-based sealant is influenced by polymerization with either a conventional quartz tungsten halogen or a plasma arc curing light.


METHODS
This study took the form of an in vitro randomized control trial. Seventy extracted human first and second permanent premolars and molars were randomly allocated into two groups. Their occlusal surfaces were sealed with a light-cured fissure sealant using either a quartz tungsten halogen curing light or a plasma arc curing light. The teeth were then sectioned, resulting in four surfaces per tooth, which were examined for microleakage under x 15 magnification with a light microscope. The principal unit of analysis was the tooth (worst section score) and not the section microleakage score.


RESULTS
No statistical significant difference in microleakage scoring between the two groups was demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
This study found no difference in the degree of microleakage of fissure sealants polymerized by either light source.
Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Royal London Dental Hospital, London, UK.
Sarah
S
Shah
Elizabeth M
EM
Roebuck
Zoann
Z
Nugent
Chris
C
Deery
D001641:Bicuspid; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000145:classification*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008751:Methylene Blue; D008853:Microscopy; D008963:Molar; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects; D013499:Surface Properties; D013997:Time Factors
D004396:Coloring Agents; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D011108:Polymers; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; D008751:Methylene Blue