Degree of microleakage of some pit and fissure sealants: an in vitro study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the degree of microleakage exhibited by five resin sealants (Concise, Helioseal, Durafil. Fissurit, Sci-Pharm) and a glass-ionomer sealant (Fuji Glass lonomer Type III). The fissure systems of the occlusal surfaces of freshly extracted teeth were opened using a pear-shaped bur; the preparations were confined to enamel. For each material, 14 teeth were prepared. From each group, seven teeth were thermocycled through 5 degrees, 37 degrees, 60 degrees and 37 degrees for 2000 cycles, and the other seven teeth were not thermocycled. All teeth were immersed in 0.5% solution of basic fuchsin dye for 48 hours. Each tooth was sectioned longitudinally in the buccolingual direction and three 1 mm-thick sections (distal, central and proximal) were obtained from each tooth. Each section was cleaned, examined, and photographed in a stereomicroscope. All the materials presented microleakage in both the thermocycled and non-thermocycled specimens; the degree of microleakage was greater in the thermocycled specimens. The results support the practice of opening up questionably carious fissures and removing caries (if present) before sealing.