Pits and fissures: Relative space contribution in fissures from sealants, prophylaxis pastes and organic remnants

Abstract

Background: Previous studies by the authors have looked at the nature of the fissure system of human permanent molars and premolars, and has provided evidence for the presence of a prismless layer of enamel. It was noted during these studies that the fissure spaces were often occupied by material other than the fissure sealant. The aim of this study was to define these materials and to look at the percentage contribution of each to the sealed fissure space. Methods: A sample of teeth, both molars and premolars, were sealed with an unfilled fissure sealant after prophylaxis with a coloured prophylaxis paste. In one group, the crown of the tooth was removed by dissolution in hydrochloric acid following placement of the sealant. This revealed a negative image of the fissure system and its contents. The second group of teeth was sectioned following sealing, and the contents of the fissure space were analyzed. Results: The negative image of the fissure system displayed the fissure contents by colour and the sectioned teeth were able to be computer analyzed to establish the relative contribution of sealant, prophylaxis paste and organic material to the fissure space. Conclusions: Sealant contribution was in the range of 14-96 per cent, prophylaxis paste from 0-50 per cent and organic remnants 0-55 per cent. The presence of these last two components could contribute to sealant loss.

Comparative efficacy of nanofilled and microfilled resin-modified glass ionomer as pits and fissure sealant in permanent molar teeth

“…15, 16 The results of sealant retention, marginal adaptation and color matches in the present study corresponded to a previous study. 12 When sealant restoration was examined at 12 months, it was found that nanofilled sealant restoration showed acceptable retention, color matches as well as excellent marginal adaptation with the treated teeth.…”

“…In addition, the nanoparticles preferentially scatter blue light, giving the restoration opalescent effects. 16 On the other hand, the particle size of microfilled resinmodified glass ionomer is ranged from 4.5 to 4.8 micrometers. 24 Low filler particles containing material is said to have good polishability as well as stability of the color.…”

Analysis of surface roughness and microleakage of fissure sealants following organic debris removal with Carisolv

“…This result was in agreement with previous reports. 8,9,[14][15][16] The results of SEM observation demonstrated that the debris-like smear layer was completely removed from the Carisolv-treated surfaces after acid-etching, and enamel prisms were exposed. These features were almost similar to the structure of the Carisolv-treated surfaces that have been previously described as flaky or irregular.…”

“…7 Possible reasons for this j o u r n a l o f d e n t i s t r y 3 6 ( 2 0 0 8 ) 1 3 0 -1 3 7 early loss include wear or fracture of sealant material, and presence of organic debris or unetched areas after routine cleaning. 8,9 Furthermore, microleakage of fissure sealants due to polymerization shrinkage, 10 insufficient material penetration, 11 saliva contamination 12 and sealant viscocity, 13 may also adversely affect the success of fissure sealing. The adhesive effect of fissure sealants depends on the mechanical bond strength between the enamel surfaces in a fissure groove and sealant materials.…”

“…14,15 However, these methods are not always effective in pit and fissure cleaning, and persistence of organic debris following routine cleaning is mainly responsible for early loss of sealant retention. 8,9,[14][15][16] As possible alternatives to the conventional techniques, a previous study reported the use of chemo-mechanical caries removal systems such as GK-101 for removing the pellicle and debris. 17 Carisolv, which contains sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and three kinds of amino acids (glutamic acid, leucine, and lysine), were originally used for removing caries.…”