Microleakage of an adhesive system used as a fissure sealant

The aim of this study was to investigate the microleakage of pit and fissure sealants in primary teeth and to determine if multi-step methods should produce better results in terms of microleakage prevention.

A total of 40 intact primary molars were randomly assigned to one of four sealant groups: resin based sealant Ultraseal XT (US - Ultradent) (Group 1, n=10); adhesive system Scotchbond Multi Purpose Plus (SBMP - 3M/ESPE) used as a sealant (Group 2, n=10); primer (SBMP) and US (Group 3, n=10); and primer, bond (SBMP) and US (Group 4, n=10). After thermocycling (x700, 5-55 degrees C) all teeth surfaces were made impermeable with the exception of the occlusal surface. Samples were immersed in 50% silver nitrate for 8 hours, sectioned longitudinally with two cuts in the central fissure pit, and then immersed in photo development solution followed by 16 hours in fluorescent light. Pictures were obtained by light microscope (x40) and the degree of microleakage was evaluated by three blinded evaluators. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis test.

Significant statistical differences (p<.05) were observed between Groups 1-3, Groups 2-3, Groups 2-4, and Groups 3-4. Group 3 showed higher microleakage scores.

The adhesive system and the resin based sealant demonstrated similar microleakage properties, suggesting the possibility that adhesives can be used in a clinical setting. Additionally, the increase in the number of clinical steps required by common application of resin based sealant, including use of primer or primer and bond, did not lead to better results in preventing microleakage.

The adhesive system can be used as a sealant without increasing the microleakage. Thus, the use of the adhesive system before the application of the sealant is not necessary to reduce the microleakage, although further research is warranted to support this conclusion.