A comparison between three different pit and fissure sealants with regard to marginal integrity

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the occurrence of enamel fractures, sealant fractures and marginal fissures after placement of three sealants: Helioseal F, Conseal F and Clinpro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty individuals between 13 and 15 years of age, diagnosed with pit and fissure caries by visual and DIAGNOdent examination, were chosen for sealant placement on their mandibular molars. The sealants were placed at random, after which, impressions were made with polyvinyl siloxane and casts were fabricated. Dies were prepared, each of which were sputter coated with gold in order to be examined under a scanning electron microscope. The following morphologies were analyzed from dies from each of the sealant groups: Continuous margins, sealant fractures, marginal fissures and enamel fractures. After six months, they were recalled for impression making. Dies were prepared and microscopically analyzed as mentioned. Based on the time of evaluation, there were two groups: Initial group (soon after placement) and final group (after six months). Statistical analysis was done using the paired ‘t’ test and One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Clinpro had the greatest fracture resistance, followed by Conseal F and Helioseal F. The occurrence of marginal fissure was found to be least with Clinpro.