Microleakage Assessment of Two Different Pit and Fissure Sealants: A Comparative Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Study

INTRODUCTION: Pit and fissures of permanent dentition are considered to be highly vulnerable to the adhesion of cariogenic microorganisms and consequently result in caries formation. The main problem associated with sealant failure will be microleakage. Therefore, sealants can be considered to be an effective preventive procedure for dental caries, only if it strongly bonds to the tooth, and protect the pit and fissures from the oral bacterial environment. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To compare and assess the microleakage of two different pit and fissure sealants on permanent molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 extracted third molars were randomly divided into two groups where group I is conventional sealant and group II is hydrophilic sealant. Occlusal surfaces of permanent molars were treated with 37% orthophosphoric acid before sealant placement. Tooth samples were subjected to 0.1% rhodamine dye immersion, thermocycling, and tooth samples were sectioned and evaluated under a confocal laser microscope for dye penetration. A non-parametric test (Mann–Whitney U) was performed to compare the mean microleakage score difference between the groups. RESULTS: Group II (hydrophilic sealant) showed a minimum level of the microleakage score when compared to group I (conventional sealant) and was found to be statistically significant using the Mann-Whitney U test with a p value <0.05. CONCLUSION: The less the microleakage, the better will be the retention of the sealant for a longer duration and cariostatic action. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Prabakar J, Indiran MA, Kumar P, et al. Microleakage Assessment of Two Different Pit and Fissure Sealants: A Comparative Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(S-1):S29–S33.