Comparative evaluation of microleakage and penetration depth of ACP containing pit and fissure sealant and flowable composite - An in-vitro study.

Abstract

Background: The present in vitro study evaluated and compared the microleakage and penetration depth of ACP containing pit and fissure sealant with flowable composite.

Material and methods: Sixty extracted non-carious premolars were categorized into four groups of 15 samples each. Sealant was applied after the Occlusal surfaces of the sample teeth were prophylactically treated with pumice slurry. Later, the teeth were thermocycled and immersed in methylene blue for a period of 24 hours. The samples were buccolingually sectioned and analysed under a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare the microleakage and depth of penetration.

Results: Flowable nanocomposite gave comparable results with that of the sealant in terms of microleakage. Nano-hybrid flowable composite performed better with respect to depth of penetration between tested materials with the difference being statistically significant.

Conclusions: Flowable nanocomposite can be considered as a promising substitute for sealing fissures and thus can be endorsed to caries susceptible pediatric patients. Key words:Depth of Penetration, Sealants, Microleakage.