Assessment and comparison of microleakage of a fluoride-releasing sealant after acid etching and Er: YAG laser treatment – An in vitro study

AIM: The aim of the present study was to estimate and compare the microleakage of a pit and fissure sealant after etching and Er:YAG laser treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty non-carious premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were equally divided into two groups. Samples in Group- I were treated with 37% phosphoric acid. Samples in Group II were irradiated with Er: YAG laser at 400 mJ at 4 Hz. Sealant was placed and light cured. Then, the samples were subjected to thermocycling. The samples were then immersed in 1% methylene blue. The samples were sectioned and examined under stereomicroscope at ×10 magnification. RESULTS: Acid etched samples showed significantly less microleakage when compared to laser etching and it was statistically significant (P<0.01).