Preparation for invasive pit and fissure sealing: air-abrasion or bur?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of different air-abrasion devices on substance loss on flattened enamel, preparation extent, and microleakage of invasive pit and fissure sealings.


METHODS
150 freshly extracted caries-free human third molars were used. 60 teeth (n = 10) were embedded, enamel surfaces were polished to #1200, and six air abrasion devices abraded specimens for 5 seconds. Substance loss was profilometrically recorded as maximum and mean width, and maximum and mean depth. From 90 intact teeth (n = 10), fissures were enlarged by air abrasion (Rondoflex 27 microm/50 microm, Airsonic Mini Sandblaster, CoJet Prep, PrepStart, Primus CPE), or treated with a diamond bur (De Craene), or using a metal bur (Fissurotomy Micro NTF), or with oscillating diamond tips (SONICSeal). Prepared fissures were etched and rinsed and sealed with a light-curing sealant (Helioseal). After four weeks water storage and subsequent 2,000 thermocycles (5 degrees C/55 degrees C), microleakage was assessed with 5% methylene blue for 3 minutes at 30G on cross cuts at x40 magnification. Furthermore the parameters upper fissure width, prepared and unprepared area, penetration depth of the sealer, and area of voids were recorded.


RESULTS
For substance loss on flattened enamel, CoJet Prep and Mini Sandblaster revealed the widest abrasion areas, PrepStart produced the deepest craters (P < 0.05). Regarding preparation characteristics, rotary burs and PrepStart caused significantly less substance loss than the other devices (P < 0.05). Due to the etch&rinse approach, microleakage was generally minimal. Only after air abrasion with Rondoflex (50 microm) significantly less complete sealings were recorded (P < 0.05).
Kramer
Norbert
N
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University Medical Center Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany.
García-Godoy
Franklin
F
Lohbauer
Ulrich
U
Schneider
Katja
K
Assmann
Irene
I
Frankenberger
Roland
R
D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D045662:Dental Etching / Q000379:methods*; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000145:classification; D018772:Dental Marginal Adaptation; D003775:Dental Polishing; D018130:Diamond / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008751:Methylene Blue; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D004396:Coloring Agents; D003188:Composite Resins; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D014867:Water; C059908:Helioseal; D018130:Diamond; D008751:Methylene Blue