The Influence of Pit and Fissure Sealants on Infrared Fluorescence Measurements

Abstract

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of pit and fissure sealants on fluorescence readings using lasers. We selected 166 permanent molars and randomly divided them into 4 groups which were each treated with a different sealant (a commercially available clear sealant, 2 opaque sealants and an experimental nanofilled clear sealant). The teeth were independently measured twice by 2 experienced dentists using conventional laser fluorescence (LF) and a laser fluorescence pen device (LFpen), before and after sealing, and again after thermocycling to simulate the thermal stressing between the tooth and the dental materials. Friedman test showed no statistically significant changes using LF and LFpen for the commercial clear sealant group, although values tended to increase after sealing. However, the values increased significantly after thermocycling. There was a statistically significant decrease in fluorescence after application of opaque sealants. After application of the experimental nanofilled clear sealant, LF values increased only after thermocycling, whereas the LFpen values increased after sealing and after thermocycling as well. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.87 to 0.96 for interexaminer and 0.82 to 0.94 for intraexaminer reproducibility. It was shown that pit and fissure sealants influence LF and LFpen readings, with the values increasing or decreasing according to the material used. In conclusion, both laser fluorescence devices could be useful as an adjunct to detect occlusal caries under unfilled clear sealants. Nevertheless, surfaces sealed with clear nanofilled material could be assessed using only the LF device.

Influence of Different Professional Prophylactic Methods on Fluorescence Measurements for Detection of Occlusal Caries

“…Lussi and Hellwig [2006], Diniz et al [2008] and Rodrigues et al [2008] also described high ICC values for LF and LFpen in detecting carious lesions in occlusal surfaces in vitro. For FC, similar ICC values were also reported in previous studies De Benedetto et al, 2010].…”

The Effect of Fissure Sealants on the Values of Two Different Caries Detection Devices

“…4 As visual inspection is difficult to perform on sealed surfaces, adjunct diagnostic methods must be used to improve follow-up assessments and to increase the accuracy of diagnosing caries. 5 Recently, several methods have been developed and recommended as diagnostic aids to identify caries lesions on occlusal surfaces. 4,5 One such method, a laser fluorescence (LF) based device, illuminates the surface with laser light, and detects fluorescence associated with caries.…”

“…5 Recently, several methods have been developed and recommended as diagnostic aids to identify caries lesions on occlusal surfaces. 4,5 One such method, a laser fluorescence (LF) based device, illuminates the surface with laser light, and detects fluorescence associated with caries. This instrument functions on the principle of the excitation of a 655 nm monochromatic light and measurement of back-scattered fluorescence.…”

Degree of conversion of three fissure sealants cured by different light curing units using micro-Raman spectroscopy

“…7,30 Shade is also known to affect DC values in RBCs where, in general, darker shades result in lower DCs. 5,6 The manufacturer's technical data indicate the presence of titanium dioxide as the only difference in the chemical composition of the two Helioseal FSs used in the current study.…”