Ion Release and Apatite Formation of Resin Based Pit and Fissure Sealants Containing 45S5 Bioactive Glass.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a resin based pit and fissure sealant containing 45S5 bioactive glass (BAG) by examining its ion release, pH variation, and apatite-forming properties. To prepare the experimental materials, 45S5 BAG, used as a filler, was incorporated into the light curable resin matrix at concentrations of 0 (control), 12.5, 37.5, and 50.0 wt.%. Ion release, pH variation, and apatite formation (Raman spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry measurements) were performed. While no ions were released from the control group, the experimental groups containing 45S5 BAG showed an increased release of Ca and P ions with increasing amounts of 45S5 BAG (p < 0.05). The pH of the experimental group remained high and was significantly different from the control group (p < 0.05). Unlike the control group, it was confirmed that the apatite peak was formed in the 50.0 wt.% BAG group for 90 days, and the apatite layer consisting of Ca and P was deposited on the surface. Thus, a resin based pit and fissure sealant containing 45S5 BAG is a promising material for preventing secondary caries by releasing ions and forming apatite.

The Assessment of Resin-Based Composite Sealants' Effectiveness in Arresting Non-Cavitated Dentin Carious Lesions (ICDAS 3)-A 12 Month Follow-Up Preliminary Study.

Background and Objectives: The therapeutic management of carious lesions remains a significant focus for researchers, given their persistently high prevalence despite being largely preventable. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a composite resin-based sealant material in halting extended non-cavitated dentin carious lesions when used therapeutically versus preventively on caries-free teeth over a period of twelve months. Materials and Methods: out of the 236 children examined, 45 were excluded from the study due to non-compliance with the inclusion criteria. Thus, the study included 191 children aged 10-12 years, and 764 molars in total. Results: among these molars, 171 were caries-free (ICDAS II code 0), forming the Control group, while 180 molars were classified with an ICDAS II score of 3, forming the Study group. All molars were sealed and evaluated at 6- and 12-month follow-up intervals. Both intervals revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in sealant retention and carious lesion development between sound (ICDAS code 0) and decayed (ICDAS code 3) teeth. Conclusions: the findings did not support the effectiveness of sealants in halting non-cavitated dentin carious lesions classified as ICDAS II with code 3 compared to their preventive application in sound teeth classified as ICDAS II with code 0.

The Impact of Rubber Dam Association With Physiological Stress Parameters on Children of 7-10 Years Undergoing Pit and Fissure Sealant Treatment: An In-Vivo Study.

Introduction Anxiety is an emotion representing apprehension towards an unknown stimulus or situation. Rubber dam application during dental procedures in children makes the treatment more comfortable and acceptable as it gives them a psychological feeling that treatment is being carried out outside the oral cavity. The prime objective of this study was to evaluate and compare physiological parameters, which include pulse rate, arterial oxygen saturation level, blood pressure, and respiratory rate before and after rubber dam isolation. Material and methods The study consisted of 30 children patients of 7-10 years, comprised of 14 females and 16 males with a mean age of 8.15 ± 0.93 years. The study was a 'split mouth' clinical design study, where 60 sites in 30 patients (two sites in each patient) were used. The selected sites were divided into two groups by a convenience sampling method and were categorized as Group-I (control group - 30 sites were treated with pit and fissure sealants under cotton roll and saliva ejectors on mandibular right permanent first molar) and Group-II (study group - 30 sites were treated with pit and fissure sealants underrubber dam isolation on mandibular left permanent first molar). Results Rubber dam application reduced different physiological parameters of stress such as pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate at different intervals from the baseline values. Rubber dam and cotton roll applications have no significant effects on oxygen saturation levels at different intervals in healthy individuals. From statistical analysis, it was evident that a statistically significant difference was evident between the control and experimental groups (P value < 0.005). Conclusion It is confirmed in this study that rubber dam reduces different physiologic parameters of stress. After the application of the rubber dam, children's pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate were reduced. Clinical significance The study highlights the imperative role of rubber dam isolation in improving dental and medical effectiveness. In addendum to this, our research promotes the clinical use of rubber dams in pediatric dentistry.

Novel pit and fissure sealant with nano-CaF2 and antibacterial monomer: Fluoride recharge, microleakage, sealing ability and cytotoxicity.

Conventional resin-based sealants release minimal fluoride ions (F) and lack antibacterial activity. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop a novel bioactive sealant containing calcium fluoride nanoparticles (nCaF2) and antibacterial dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM), and (2) investigate mechanical performance, F recharge and re-release, microleakage, sealing ability and cytotoxicity. Helioseal F served as commercial control. The initial F release from sealant containing 20% nCaF2 was 25-fold that of Helioseal F. After ion exhaustion and recharge, the F re-release from bioactive sealant did not decrease with increasing number of recharge and re-release cycles. Elastic modulus of new bioactive sealant was 44% higher than Helioseal F. The new sealant had excellent sealing, minimal microleakage, and good cytocompatibility. Hence, the nanostructured sealant had substantial and sustained F release and antibacterial activity, good sealing ability and biocompatibility. The novel bioactive nCaF2 sealant is promising to provide long-term F ions for caries prevention.

Comparative Evaluation of Wear Strength and Compressive Strength of Two Pit and Fissure Sealants with a Nanofilled Resin Coating: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: The role of sealants for pits and fissures has been emphasized in caries prevention. Considering the advantages of a surface sealer and the effects of its application over restorative materials; the study is aimed at evaluating two pit and fissure sealants with a nanofilled resin coating. Materials and methods: In this in vitro double-blinded study, a total of 60 caries-free extracted third molars were collected and divided into two groups of 30 each receiving either a resin-based sealant (Helioseal F) or a glass ionomer-based sealant (GC Fuji VII). Each sample was then applied with GCoat Plus surface sealer. 15 samples each containing GC Fuji VII and 15 containing Helioseal F were then subjected to wear. Another 15 samples of GC Fuji VII and 15 of Helioseal F were subjected to compressive load. Results: On assessing the wear strength, the weight loss in group I (resin sealant with surface sealer) was 1.73 ± 0.50 (µg) which was statistically significant (p = 0.023). There was no significant difference in comparing the wear depth between both groups. There was a high statistically significant difference when assessing the compressive strength, group II (glass ionomer sealant with surface sealer) had 3566.4 ± 757 (µm) when compared to group I (resin sealant with surface sealer) 1568.53 ± 680 (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Sealants are known for their poor retention and keeping that in mind we designed this study to evaluate the physical properties of sealants with a resin coating over them. Within the limitations of this study, the conclusions are glass ionomer sealant showed greater resistance to wear when compared to the resin-based sealant and the resin-based sealant showed higher compressive strength values than the glass ionomer sealant. How to cite this article: Gunasekaran R, Sharmin D, Baghkomeh PN, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Wear Strength and Compressive Strength of Two Pit and Fissure Sealants with a Nanofilled Resin Coating: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(1):31-35.

The effects of arginine on the properties of ClinproTM pit and fissure sealant / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effects of arginine on the mechanic properties of Clinpro? pit and fissure sealant.Methods:Experimental pit and fissure sealants were formulated with arginine at 3％,5％,and 10％(Arg3,Arg5 and Arg10)respectively added into ClinproTM,the surface microhardness(SMH),degree of conversion(DC)and microleakage of the samples were investigated.The morphology of different pit and fissure sealants after curing were observed by scanning electron microscope(SEM).The concentration of arginine released at different time points were analyzed by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).Results:The SMH and DC was not statistically different among the groups,the microleakage level in Arg 10 group was higher than that in other groups(P＜0.05),and there was no significant difference among other groups.There were some aggregation of arginine particles in modified agents under SEM.The Arg5 showed a significantly higher release rate of arginine at any time point than Arg3 in 24 hours(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Incorporation of 5％arginine does not affect the physical and mechanical properties of ClinproTM pit and fissure sealant and exhibites good arginine release ability.

Evaluation of flexural strength, degree of conversion, and demineralization-prevention properties in adjacent tooth structures of an experimental fissure sealant containing nano-calcium-phosphate compounds.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the flexural strength, degree of conversion, and demineralization-prevention ability of an experimental fissure sealant containing nano-calcium-phosphate compounds. METHODS: An experimental sealant was formulated using silica and nano hydroxyapatite filler particles. The control group consisted of the DENU Seal (n = 10, each group). The flexural bond strength was evaluated by UTM. DC was evaluated by FTIR. To evaluate the demineralization-prevention ability, Cl V cavities in 10 third molar teeth restored with two sealant products, followed by an acid challenge then the Vickers microhardness test was carried out. RESULTS: The mean flexural strength in the commercial group was higher than the experimental group. However, the mean flexural modulus was not significantly different between the two groups. In the experimental group, DC was significantly higher than the commercial group. Adjacent to the interface, the decrease in microhardness in the experimental group was significantly less than the commercial group. However, on the tooth surface, there were no significant differences between the two groups. In the experimental group, the decrease in microhardness at the interface was less than at the tooth surface, however the situation was opposite in the commercial group. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating hydroxyapatite into the sealant structure might prevent demineralization, without adverse effects on flexural modulus and degree of conversion.

Parental Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Toward Dental Sealants as Preventive Strategy for Dental Caries in Children: A Cross Sectional Study.

Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices of parents residing in Pakistan toward pits and fissure sealants in children. Materials and Methods. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2022 to March 2023. An online questionnaire was distributed through various social media platforms. Independent t-test and Multiple Linear Regression analysis were performed. Results. A total of 570 participants were recruited. For protection against tooth decay, most of the participants 456(80%) believed that fissure sealants should be placed to protect teeth from decay. Placement of fissure sealants was considered to be a cost-effective measure by majority of the 480 (84.2%) respondents. Conclusion. Fissure sealants are one of the most effective preventive measures against tooth decay. The knowledge, attitude and practice of parents were some being aware of fissure sealants and some were not. It appeared to support the placement of fissure sealants for their children.

The combined effect of pit and fissure sealant application and oral health education on oral health status of children aged 6-9 years: a 12-month follow-up study in Northeast China.

BACKGROUND: Children aged 6-9 years are vulnerable to dental caries due to age-related limitations and a lack of adequate knowledge regarding oral health and hygiene practices. This study aimed to establish a cohort of children aged between 6 and 9 years and conducted a 12-month follow-up to examine the combined effect of pit and fissure sealant (PFS) application and oral health education on their oral health status. METHODS: A cohort study with 12-month follow-up was conducted in Liaoning province, China. A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling approach was employed in the study. The enrolled 6- to 9-year-old children were all from the selected primary schools, who had resided in the designated area for at least 6 months. Children who were unable to cooperate with the examiner or without informed consent from their guardians were excluded. Experienced dental professionals examined the oral health status of primary school children aged 6-9 years. All children and their guardians were mandated to complete a questionnaire (qualitative data) at the beginning of the study. In the experiment group, children underwent PFS application and chairside oral health education. Clinical examinations and questionnaire surveys were repeated at the 12-month follow-up. The chi-square test and binary logistic regression were conducted to investigate the potential risk factors associated with dental caries prevalence (dependent variable). Independent variables were items from the questionnaire (such as living place, parents' education level and children' birth weight). The significant variables identified in the chi-square tests were subsequently included in the binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 4,085 children aged 6-9 years were included in the study, with 1805 participants assigned to the experiment group and 2280 to the control group. At baseline, the caries rates of the experimental and control group were 77.95% and 80.35%, respectively without any statistically significant differences. However, at the 12-month follow-up, the caries rate in the experimental group (83.65%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (86.62%) (P < 0.05). The results from the binary logistic regression analysis indicated that parents with a college degree and children in the experimental group exhibited lower caries rates. Conversely, higher caries rates were associated with the consumption of sweet beverages and foods more than once a day and a lack of knowledge regarding the causes of caries (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In Liaoning, China, children aged 6 to 9 years exhibited a high prevalence of dental caries. Several factors, including the parent's education level, the frequency of consuming sweet beverages and foods, and the children's understanding of the cause of caries, significantly affected the caries prevalence rates. The implementation of PFS application and oral health education effectively reduce the caries rate among the surveyed children.

Comparative Evaluation of Sealing Ability of Moisture-tolerant Sealant and Glass Ionomer Sealant Using Stereomicroscope: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction/background: The preventive benefits of pit and fissure sealants rely on their retention and sealing ability. The drawback of the conventional pit and fissure sealant is its poor retention due to the presence of moisture. Among the numerous pit and fissure sealants available, newer hydrophilic sealants are ideal for children. This study evaluates and compares the sealing ability of hydrophilic sealant Embrace WetBond with conventionally used glass ionomer sealant under a stereomicroscope. Materials and methods: A total of 48 extracted human premolars were randomly divided into two groups (N = 24) and sealed with Embrace WetBond and GC Fuji VII as per manufacturers' instructions. Following thermocycling, the sectioned samples were evaluated for sealant penetration, unfilled space, and total length of fissure under a stereomicroscope at magnifications 2.5×, 4×, and 5×. The values were measured in microns and in various fissure types using the "ImageJ app" to measure the sealant penetrability and sealing ability. The data recorded were statistically evaluated. Results: The penetrability of moisture-tolerant sealant was better (87.8 ± 10.7) compared to that of glass ionomer sealant (73.8 ± 15.5) (p = 0.002). Among the samples, U-type fissure patterns displayed greater penetrability (94.2 ± 6.2), whereas IK-type fissures revealed the lowest degree of penetrability (67.5 ± 7.3). Conclusion: Embrace WetBond is better than glass ionomer sealant with respect to penetrability and sealing ability under stereomicroscope hence recommended as a better sealant for pediatric clinical practice. How to cite this article: Priscilla S, Shivashankarappa PG, Mohandoss S, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Sealing Ability of Moisture-tolerant Sealant and Glass Ionomer Sealant Using Stereomicroscope: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-1):S67-S71.

Comparative Evaluation of the Microleakage and Shear Bond Strength of Three Filled Pit and Fissure Sealants Using Subpressure and Adhesive System: An Experimental Analysis.

Introduction: Pit and fissure caries account for about 90% of caries in children and adolescents. Sealant application may be a preventive conservative approach. But it's still challenging to bolster the retention of the filled sealant and to chop back the microleakage. Aim: Aim is to evaluate and compare the microleakage and shear bond strength (SBS) of three filled pit and fissure sealants (PFS) using a subpressure and adhesive system: an experimental analysis. Materials and methods: A total of 90 orthodontically extracted premolars were prepared for microleakage and SBS and divided according to materials and subgroups. Group I: resin-based filled PFS, group II: resin-modified glass ionomer-based filled PFS, and group III: giomer-based filled PFS. Subgroup 1: only sealant application, subgroup 2: subpressure application, and subgroup 3: adhesive system + subpressure application. Samples were subjected to thermocycling. Microleakage was assessed with a dye penetration method under a stereomicroscope, and SBS was assessed with a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis and results: Unpaired t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were used for analysis. Significant when p < 0.05. The SBS showed significant results for subpressure application and giomer-based filled PFS with p < 0.05. The microleakages score differed significantly for the subpressure application group with p < 0.05. Giomer-based filled PFS showed the least microleakage score. Conclusion: This study concluded that giomer-based filled PFS showed statistically significant results. The subpressure technique significantly reduces microleakage and increases SBS. How to cite this article: Waghmode SK, Devendrappa SN, Hadakar SG, et al. Comparative Evaluation of the Microleakage and Shear Bond Strength of Three Filled Pit and Fissure Sealants Using Subpressure and Adhesive System: An Experimental Analysis. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-1):S97-S100.

An In vitro Assessment of the Shear Bond Strength of Two Different Pit and Fissure Sealants in Primary Teeth.

Aim: The current research had an aim to evaluate the shear bond strength of two different pit and fissure sealants in deciduous teeth. Materials and Methods: Forty deciduous teeth were part of this research. Inclusion criteria were teeth having an unbroken occlusal surface, whereas samples having developmental defects/afflicted with caries were subjected to exclusion from this research. Each specimen tooth was assigned at random to one of the two groups constituting 20 specimens each by means of a computer-generated randomization with two alphabets (A, B). Group 1: Conventional sealant, Group 2: Self-adhering flowable sealant. Following sealant coating, a shear load was placed via a universal testing apparatus in a manner parallel to the bonded edge at a speed of 0.5 millimeter/minute till the occurrence of a breakdown. Bond strength was subsequently measured in Mega Pascals (MPa). Results: 13.86 ± 0.23 was the mean shear bond strength of self-adhering flowable sealant versus 11.48 ± 0.52 Mpa of conventional sealants. Statistically significant differences amid both groups were noted. Conclusion: The current research arrived at a conclusion that self-adhering flowable sealants exhibited superior shear bond strength in comparison to conventional sealants.

Effects of topical fluoride treatment on the bond strength of pit and fissure sealants: A systematic review.

Background: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the available scientific evidence concerning the effects of topical fluoride treatment on the bond strength of pit and fissure sealants. Prevention of dental caries is one of the crucial issues in pediatric dentistry. Pit and fissure sealant and fluoride therapies are two caries prevention procedures that may be performed in one session. However, fluoride therapy may affect the bond strength of pit and fissure sealants. Methods: An electronic search for in vitro studies published in English and Persian on topical fluoride therapy and the bond strength of pit and fissure sealants was performed via PubMed/ Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus databases until May 2022. The articles were independently reviewed for quality by two reviewers. Textual data were analyzed manually, and the bond strength of sealants placed after fluoride application was compared with control groups. Results: A total of 8482 articles were initially identified and reviewed by two independent reviewers, and 13 were selected for full-text evaluation. Finally, six articles were included in the systematic review. A total of 250 teeth were studied, 148 of which were in the case group (fluoride group) and 102 in the control group. Tensile and shear bond strengths were compared between groups in the studies. Conclusion: In the studies in which the tooth surfaces were washed after applying fluoride, there was no change in the fissure sealant bond strength. However, in studies in which fluoride was not washed, the bond strength decreased significantly, independent of the fluoride type.

A Comparative Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength of Embrace WetbondTM Pit and Fissure Sealant with or without the Use of a Universal Dental Adhesive System [ScotchbondTM Universal Adhesive] Using Different Bonding Protocols: A Multiparametric In Vitro Study.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of Embrace WetBondTM (EWS) Pit and Fissure Sealant (PF sealants) with or without the use of a universal dental adhesive system ScotchbondTM Universal Adhesive (SBU) using different bonding and curing protocols and to assess and compare the mode of failure as determined by visualization of the fractured surfaces of the test specimens after shear testing under an optical microscope at a magnification of 20×. Materials and methods: A total of 85 samples were prepared for testing SBS on enamel on caries-free, extracted permanent human molars. The specimens were randomly divided into five groups based on different bonding and curing protocols. A knife-edge blade in a universal testing machine was used to perform the SBS test with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. Then the mode of failure was assessed. Statistical analysis: Results were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test and Chi-squared test. A probability value 0.05 (p ≤ 0.01) was regarded as significant. Results: ScotchbondTM Universal Adhesive (SBU) in total-etch (TE) mode/etch-and-rinse (ER) mode with individual light curing of the sealant and adhesive showed the highest SBS to enamel (5.40 ± 2.51 MPa). A predominance of cohesive mode of failure was observed for all the test groups. Conclusion: Embrace WetBondTM (EWS) PF sealants with SBU in the ER mode of application, with either curing mode, can be used as an alternative to a conventional technique for sealant placement for improving interfacial bond strength to enhance sealant retention and efficacy. Clinical significance: Embrace WetBondTM (EWS) PF sealants with SBU in the ER mode of application can be used as an alternative to a conventional technique for sealant placement for improving interfacial bond strength. How to cite this article: Swathy SR, Naidu J. A Comparative Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength of Embrace WetbondTM Pit and Fissure Sealant with or without the Use of a Universal Dental Adhesive System [ScotchbondTM Universal Adhesive] Using Different Bonding Protocols: A Multiparametric In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):48-53.

Effect of Zinc Oxide Incorporation on the Antibacterial, Physicochemical, and Mechanical Properties of Pit and Fissure Sealants.

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of pit and fissure sealants containing different weight percentages of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The following amounts of ZnO NPs were added to a commercially available pit and fissure sealant (BeautiSealant, Shofu, Japan) to prepare the experimental materials: 0 wt.% (commercial control (CC)), 0.5 wt.% (ZnO 0.5), 1 wt.% (ZnO 1.0), 2 wt.% (ZnO 2.0), and 4 wt.% (ZnO 4.0). The antibacterial effect against S. mutans was confirmed by counting the colony-forming units (CFUs) and observing live/dead bacteria. In addition, ion release, depth of cure, water sorption and solubility, and flexural strength tests were conducted. When compared with the CC, the experimental groups containing ZnO NPs showed zinc ion emission and significantly different CFUs (p < 0.05) with fewer live bacteria. ZnO NP addition reduced the depth of cure and water solubility and increased water sorption in comparison with the CC (p < 0.05). However, all groups showed similar flexural strength (p > 0.05). The pit and fissure sealants containing ZnO NPs exhibited antibacterial activity against S. mutans with no negative effects on physicochemical and mechanical properties, and thus, these sealants can be ideal secondary caries prevention material.

A novel application of a bioactive material as a pit and fissure sealant: in vitro pilot study evaluating the sealing ability and penetration.

PURPOSE: To compare the sealing ability and penetration of a bioactive material used as pit and fissure sealant to those of glass ionomer sealant. METHODS: This was an in vitro experimental study conducted on 20 permanent teeth. For Group I of ten teeth, ACTIVA BioACTIVE-Base/Liner was applied as a sealant on pits and fissures, and the remaining ten teeth of Group II were sealed using glass ionomer cement. After thermocycling, the apex of the teeth was sealed using composite resin and they were immersed in 1% methylene blue solution, buffered at pH 7 for 24 h. Longitudinal sections were obtained from each tooth for evaluating the sealing ability and penetration, using a binocular light microscope at 4 × magnification. The obtained data were subjected to analysis using the Chi-square test and independent t test. RESULTS: The comparison of the sealing ability and sealant penetration, between the two groups, showed statistically no significant difference (p = 0.104 and p = 1.0, respectively). CONCLUSION: Bioactive material as a pit and fissure sealant, performed on par with glass ionomer sealant in terms of tested properties like sealing ability and penetration.

Research progress on fluoride-releasing restorative materials for caries control / 口腔疾病防治

@#Restorative materials such as conventional glass ionomer cement (CGIC), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), polyacid-modified composite resin (compomer), and giomer have the properties of fluoride release and refill, which may prevent or slow down the progression of caries. The caries resistance of these materials was evaluated according to the following criteria: fluorine-releasing ability, antibacterial activity, mechanical properties and anti-aging properties. The anti-caries effect of these materials mainly depends on the effect of fluoride ions on mineralization. However, materials with strong fluorine release ability, such as CGIC, are mainly used in pediatric dentistry and temporary restoration due to their poor mechanical properties. It is difficult to achieve both fluoride ion release potential and mechanical strength, and there are few materials that can provide ideal mechanical strength while maintaining a high standard of fluoride release. The fluoride releasing and recharging capacity of CGIC, RMGIC, compomer and giomer decrease successively. The trend of material modification, to a certain extent, tends to sacrifice the fluoride release capacity of materials to maintain the ideal mechanical strength. In recent years, scholars have tried to add a variety of fillers to further enhance the anti-cracking ability of materials and add antibacterial agents to compensate for the anti-caries effect to reduce the loss of fluoride release.

Effect of a bioactive pit and fissure sealant on demineralized human enamel: in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Incorporation of bioactive agent into pit and fissure sealant would halt demineralization and promote further remineralization. The aim was to assess the effect of bioactive and fluoride fissure sealants on calcium and phosphate content and surface topography of artificially demineralized enamel in young permanent teeth. METHODS: 30 sound extracted premolars free from cracks or any developmental anomalies were used. They were divided into group I bioactive fissure sealant, group II fluoride fissure sealant and group III no material applied. Each tooth was divided into halves in a buccolingual direction and evaluated by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) at baseline, demineralization and after applying the material. Another set of 7 sound extracted premolars was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at the same phases. RESULTS: EDX showed that regaining calcium to demineralized enamel was significantly higher with bioactive sealant than either fluoride or the control group. SEM revealed minerals deposits with formation of distinct white zone at tooth/sealant interface for both pit and fissure sealant groups. Whereas no white zone formation was detected in control group. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating bioactive material into pit and fissure sealant through microcapsules provided better results than incorporating fluoride by enhancing the biological process of remineralization. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The more use of bioactive pit and fissure sealant would maintain the occlusal surfaces as sound structures and decrease the need for operative procedures to restore teeth cavitation.

An In Vitro Study of Three Types of Pit and Fissure Sealants for Viscosity, Resin Tag, and Microleakage: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study.

Introduction: One of the important techniques for prevention of dental caries is the application of pit and fissure sealants. The sealant success depends on not only adhering firmly to the enamel surface, but also isolation of pits and fissures from the rest of the oral environment.The study was conducted to evaluate and compare three pit and fissure sealant materials for viscosity, microleakage, and resin tag length. Materials and methods: Sixty premolars were selected for the study. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups. Group I: type VII GIC, group II: Delton FS, group III: Delton. Teeth were prepared by pumice prophylaxis and etched with 37% phosphoric acid. The respective pit and fissure sealants were applied. Teeth were stored in 1% methylene blue dye and sectioned mesiodistally into two halves. The microleakage was assessed using stereomicroscope and resin tag length using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Brookfield's viscometer was used to measure the viscosity. Result: Viscosity was lowest for Delton and highest for type VII GIC. Microleakage was seen least with the Delton (0.0%) sealant, followed by Delton FS (20.0%), and highest in Type VII GIC (85.0%) in the scoring criteria of 3 and 4 and the mean length of the resin tags was least for Type VII GIC was 3.79 ± 2.58 µm, followed by Delton FS was 5.60 ± 2.12 µm, and highest for Delton was 7.27 ± 3.43 µm. The relation between viscosity, resin tag length, and microleakage was negative. As the viscosity gets lower, the more long the resin tags formed and the microleakage decreased. Delton pit and fissure sealant had lowest viscosity and microleakage scores while longest resin tag lengths. Conclusion: Delton with the lowest viscosity and microleakage appears to be a more suitable pit and fissure sealant compatible with residual moisture and ideal for use in children, where isolation is a problem. How to cite this article: Singh R, Lakhanam M. An In Vitro Study of Three Types of Pit and Fissure Sealants for Viscosity, Resin Tag, and Microleakage: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):304-310.

Clinical Evaluation of the Retention of Self-adhering Flowable Composite as Fissure Sealant in 6-9-year-old Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aim: To evaluate the retention rate of self-adhering flowable composite as fissure sealant in comparison with the unfilled resin sealant on first permanent molars of 6-9-year-old children. Materials and methods: A 2-arm, split-mouth randomized controlled trial included 100 children of age 6-9 years with completely erupted mandibular first permanent molars. A total of 200 teeth were randomly divided into two groups, group I: self-adhering flowable composite; group II: unfilled resin sealant. Sealants were placed on the mandibular first permanent molars and the children were recalled at 6, 12, and 18 months intervals to evaluate the retention rate. Chi-square test was used to analyze the data. Results: Self-adhering flowable composite has shown a complete retention rate of 67%, 47%, and 46% at 6, 12, and 18-month intervals, respectively, whereas unfilled resin sealant has shown 41%, 8%, and 5% retention rate at 6, 12, and 18-month intervals, respectively. The difference in the complete sealant retention rates between the groups is found to be statistically highly significant at all the follow-up intervals (p = 0.0004, 0.0001, and 0.0001 at 6, 12, and 18-month intervals, respectively). In both groups, maximum sealant loss occurred between 6 and 12-month intervals. Retention rates were higher at 6 months intervals which were significantly reduced over 18 months intervals. Conclusion: Self-adhering flowable composite has shown a higher retention rate compared to unfilled resin sealant at all the time intervals. The retention rate of both materials decreased with time. However, the loss of sealant was more with unfilled resin sealant. Clinical significance: In pediatric dental practice, the elimination of a step in restorative dentistry protocol makes a big difference as time is a critical factor in obtaining children's cooperation. The use of self-adhering materials eliminates the step of bonding agent application, which simplifies the restorative protocol and makes the clinical practice effective. Therefore, these self-adhering flowable composite resin materials can be considered fissure sealants in routine clinical practice. How to cite this article: Bhuvaneswari P, Vinay C, Uloopi KS, et al. Clinical Evaluation of the Retention of Self-adhering Flowable Composite as Fissure Sealant in 6-9-year-old Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):322-326.