Microleakage and penetration of a hydrophilic sealant and a conventional resin‐based sealant as a function of preparation techniques: a laboratory study

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 13–22 Background. Optimal pit and fissure sealing is determined by surface preparation techniques and choice of materials. Aim. This study aimed (i) to compare the microleakage and penetration depth of a hydrophilic sealant and a conventional resin‐based sealant using one of the following preparation techniques: acid etching (AE) only, a diamond bur + AE, and Er:YAG laser combined with AE, and (ii) to evaluate the microleakage and penetration depth of the hydrophilic pit and fissure sealant on different surface conditions. Design. Eighty recently extracted 3rd molars were randomly assigned to eight groups of ten teeth according to the material, preparation technique, and surface condition. For saliva contamination, 0.1 mL of fresh whole human saliva was used. All samples were submitted to 1000 thermal cycles and immersed in 2% methylene blue dye for 4 h. Sections were examined by a light microscope and analysed using image analysis software (Sigmascan^®). Results. The combination of Er:YAG + AE + conventional sealant showed the least microleakage. The sealing ability of the hydrophilic sealant was influenced by the surface condition. Conclusion. Er:YAG ablation significantly decreased the microleakage at the tooth–sealant interface compared to the non‐invasive technique. The hydrophilic sealant applied on different surface conditions showed comparable result to the conventional resin‐based sealant.