A Comparative Evaluation of Different Methods PF Cleaning and Preparing Occlusal Fissures, Before Placement of Pit and Fissure Sealant: A Stereomicroscopic Study

Aim and objective The study was aimed to comparatively evaluate the effect of different methods of cleaning and preparation of occlusal surfaces on microleakage of pit and fissure sealant. Materials and method: Eighty (80) sound extracted premolars served as samples and were divided into four categories according to the method of cleaning and preparation of occlusal surfaces. Prior to sealant placement. The groups were: A Dry Brush, B Pumice Slurry Air Polishing and D Prophylaxis Paste. In each group, subsequent to cleaning of occlusal surfaces with the method assigned to, pit and fissure sealant was applied. The samples were then kept in an incubator, thermocycled and then immersed in methylene blue dye. Each tooth was sectioned longitudinally into two halves and observed under stereomicroscope for microleakage using a criteria given by Cooley et al. Statistical analysis: Discrete microleakage score of groups is summarized in number (n) and percentage (%).Result: Comparing the microleakage score of four groups, χ2 test showed significantly different microleakage score among the groups (χ2 =33.96, P <0.001). Conclusion: Microleakage score showed both pumice slurry (Group B) and especially air polishing (Group C) to be significantly more superior than prophylaxis paste (Group D) and dry brush (Group A).