Microleakage of pit and fissure sealings placed after enamel conditioning with phosphoric acid or with self‐etching primers/adhesives

BACKGROUND: It is still not fully understood what pretreatment is best for achieving maximum tightness for pit and fissure sealings (PFS). AIM: This study investigated microleakage of PFS placed after etching with phosphoric acid or after the application of self‐etching primers/adhesives (SEPA). DESIGN: 131 third molars were assigned to ten groups. In Hel‐P, Helioseal® was applied after phosphoric acid etching. In the other groups, SEPA were used (Dyr‐AP: Adper™ Prompt™ L‐Pop™, Dyract® Seal; Bea: BeautiSealant Primer and Paste; Hel‐Exp: Experimental primer, Helioseal®; Hel‐Cl: Clearfil™ SE Bond(1), Helioseal®). Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C (28 days), followed by 3500 thermocycles and staining with 5% methylene blue (M) or 5% silver nitrate (S). After methylene blue staining and sectioning, microleakage was assessed light microscopically. During silver nitrate staining, specimens were dissolved by 32% HCl and remaining PFS were evaluated under a SEM. RESULTS: Tightness, percentage of penetrated area, and maximum dye penetration were best for Hel‐P and Hel‐Cl (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Phosphoric acid etching of enamel and Clearfil™ SE Bond resulted in the best sealing quality. Methylene blue staining allowed the evaluation of more criteria (fissure shape, voids, sealant penetration depth) compared to silver nitrate.