Effect of aging on microhardness of nanocomposite compared to conventional resin-based pit and fissure sealants

Abstract

Aim The aim of this in vitro study was to compare effect aging on microhardness of nanocomposite compared to conventional resin-based pit and fissure sealants. Materials and methods A total of 50 caries-free and intact permanent mandibular third molars were randomly divided into two groups (n = 25) according to the material used for pit and fissure sealants as follows: group I: flowable nanofilled composite (Polofil NHT flow). Group II: conventional resin-based fissure sealant Eco-S sealant. Each tooth was sectioned mesiodistally into two halves. One half was assigned to the immediate subgroup, and the other half was assigned to the aged subgroup by thermocycling. Vickers microhardness test was utilized to measure the microhardness of the different sealant materials immediately and after aging by thermocycling. Result The result of the study revealed that mean microhardness of nanofilled sealant before and after thermos-cycling was higher than that of conventional resin sealant. Conclusion Microhardness of nanofilled fissure sealant material not affected by aging with better mechanical properties.