SEM and microleakage evaluation of 3 flowable composites as sealants without using bonding agents

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Pit and fissure sealants are crucial for preventing dental caries.
• Flowable composites are increasingly used in restorative procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of flowable composites as pit and fissure sealants without bonding agents.
• To compare microleakage and resin tag formation of flowable composites versus a conventional filled sealant.

Main Methods:

• Four sealant materials were tested: three flowable composites and one filled sealant.
• Resin tag formation was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy.
• Microleakage was assessed in 54 human premolars using methylene blue dye after thermocycling.

Main Results:

• All tested materials exhibited similar resin tag formation patterns.
• Flowable composites demonstrated significantly higher microleakage compared to the filled sealant.
• Microleakage levels were comparable among the three flowable composites.

Conclusions:

• Filled sealants are more effective than flowable composites for sealing mechanically prepared occlusal fissures.
• The use of flowable composites without bonding agents is less effective in preventing microleakage.