Fissure micromorphology and sealant adaptation after occlusal enameloplasty

This study evaluated fissure micromorphology after enameloplasty, and the effect of thermocycling on the adaptation of enamel surfaces of filled and unfilled sealants after different occlusal surface treatments. A total of 150 human noncarious extracted molars were cleaned with a water slurry of fine flour of pumice using Crescent Snap-On pointed brushes in a slow-speed handpiece. The teeth were divided at random into six groups of 20 teeth each: Group 1: Pumice prophylaxis and PrismaShield filled sealant; Group 2: Pumice prophylaxis and Delton opaque unfilled sealant; Group 3: Treatment with a diamond fissure bur (Sorensen Ponta K.G. 2137 F) and PrismaShield sealant; Group 4: Treatment with a diamond fissure bur (Sorensen Ponta K.G. 2137 F) and Delton opaque sealant; Group 5: Treatment with a 1/4 round carbide bur and PrismaShield sealant; Group 6: Treatment with a 1/4 round carbide bur and Delton opaque sealant. Before sealant placement, the enamel occlusal surfaces were acid-etched for 30 seconds using disposable brushes, rinsed and dried. The sealants were light-cured for 40 seconds. Immediately after curing the sealant, all teeth were placed in distilled water for 48 hours. Sixty teeth were thermocycled (x 500, 5 degrees C-55 degrees C, 30-second dwell time) and 60 teeth were not thermocycled. For each treatment modality, five additional teeth served as controls and did not receive the sealant. The results revealed a superior sealant adaptation to enamel when the enameloplasty technique was used. There was no difference in penetration capabilities and adaptation between the filled and the unfilled sealants or between the thermocycled or not thermocycled groups.