Comparative evaluation of marginal integrity of glass ionomer and resin based fissure sealants using invasive and non-invasive techniques: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Occlusal surfaces of the molars are highly susceptible to dental decay. Pit and fissure sealants are one of the best methods of preventing fissure caries. The main problem encountered is microleakage leading to deterioration of material and increased possibility of the development of secondary caries. AIMS: To assess and compare the marginal integrity of glass ionomer (Fuji VII) and resin based (Clinpro) fissure sealants using invasive and non-invasive technique. SETTING AND DESIGN: Experimental in-vitro study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in-vitro study was conducted on 40 healthy, extracted premolars. The teeth were divided into 4 groups. Group I: Clinpro-invasive technique, group II: Clinpro-non-invasive technique, group III: Fuji VII-invasive technique, group IV: Fuji VII-non-invasive technique. Sealants were applied and subjected to an evaluation under SEM (scanning electron microscopy) for the width of the marginal gap. ANOVA (analysis of variance) and Duncan's multiple range tests were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean width of the marginal gap was 0.4089 µm in group I as compared to 3.0485 µm in group III; and the difference was statistically highly significant (P<0.001). In non-invasive technique, Clinpro and Fuji VII showed a mean marginal gap width of 0.4486 µm and 3.0485 µm, respectively. This difference was statistically highly significant at a P<0.001. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean widths between invasive and non-invasive techniques. CONCLUSION: Clinpro performed better in terms of marginal adaptation than did the Fuji VII sealant. The techniques (Invasive and non-invasive) does not influence the marginal integrity significantly.

Assessment of Discomfort Experienced by School Children While Performing 'ART' and 'MCP'-An Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE: Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) is a minimal intervention technique in the management of carious lesions, which results in negligible discomfort to the patient. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the discomfort levels during Atraumatic Restorative Treatment and Minimal Cavity Preparation (MCP: a method using rotary instruments) treatment procedures in a sample of school children in Davangere city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was performed aimed at comparing discomfort levels as measured by subjective (Venham index) and objective (Heart rate) methods at six specified moments during the treatment. A total of 200 children were randomly divided into two groups of 100 each. In each child, one class II restoration with GIC in a deciduous molar was performed. One group received treatment using rotary instruments (MCP) and the other group with ART. Discomfort levels were measured using Venham index (behavioural dimension) and heart rate (physiological dimension). RESULTS: The behavioural measurement revealed that in ART group the majority of the children(64%) showed an overall Venham score of '<1'(relaxed) as compared to MCP group in which the majority of children (76%) showed a Venham score of '1'(uneasy). The physiological measurement revealed that the children in ART group experienced less discomfort when compared to children in MCP group. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that ART induces less discomfort; is patient friendly and has a higher extent of community acceptance when compared to MCP.