Minimizing patients' exposure to uncured components in a dental sealant

BACKGROUND: The authors conducted research to examine the effectiveness of six surface treatments in reducing the oxygen-inhibited layer of a commercially available, freshly polymerized, light-cured unfilled dental sealant. METHODS: Surface treatments of a light-cured sealant (Delton Light Curing Pit & Fissure Sealant, Dentsply Ash) included no treatment (the control treatment), a 20-second exposure to an air/water syringe spray, 20 seconds' manual application of a wet or dry cotton roll, 20 seconds' manual application of pumice with a cotton pellet, and 20 seconds' application of a water/pumice slurry using a prophy cup on a slow-speed handpiece. The authors used high-pressure liquid chromatography to analyze the amount of monomers--bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate, or Bis-GMA; triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, or TEGDMA; and bisphenol A dimethacrylate, or Bis-DMA--remaining after each treatment. RESULTS: A one-way analysis of variance indicated that use of only an air/water spray removed the least (P = .0001) amount of all monomers (only 68.3 percent of the control value). Application of wet or dry cotton reduced equivalent amounts of monomers (86.1 to 88.9 percent of the control value), and the amount of monomer remaining was less than that for the air/water syringe treatment (P = .0001). The use of pumice on either a cotton ball or in a prophy cup achieved the greatest reduction (P = .0001) in total amount of residual monomer (92.9 to 95.3 percent of the control value). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment that used pumice eliminated the greatest amount (from 93 percent to 95 percent of the untreated control values) of any type of residual monomer. A slurry of pumice is significantly more effective in removing the oxygen-inhibited layer from freshly cured sealants than either an air/water spray or wet or dry cotton alone. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians can most effectively reduce patients' exposure to the uncured components in the oxygen-inhibited layer of sealants by using a mild abrasive, such as pumice, either on a cotton applicator or in a prophy cup.     

Microleakage and penetration depth of three types of materials in fissure sealant: self-etching primer vs etching: an in vitro study

Clinical preventive procedures must be done after a risk assessment. One of the risk factors is the occlusal morphology of the posterior teeth. These caries-free fissures must be sealed. This first in vitro experimentation of the study evaluated the microleakage and the penetration depth of three types of materials by Vivadent: Helioseal F, Tetric, Tetric Flow. The teeth were etched with phosphoric acid and bonded using a one bottle bonding in order to determine the best material for the sealing of the fissure. The depth of penetration of fuschine dye as well as that of the tested material was measured with a grid. The results, compared to the depth of the fissures, are expressed in percentage of penetration. The results were as follows: penetration of fuschine dye: 0% for the 2 composites, 100% for Helioseal F; penetration of the materials: 96.90% for Helioseal F, 70.82 for Tetric and 86.10 for Tetric Flow (significant difference, Wilcoxon test = 0.0105). In this first in vitro study, Tetric Flow shows no microleakage and is more efficient when compared to Helioseal F and Tetric in obturating deep fissures of non carious bicuspids. The second experiment of the study evaluated the microleakage and the penetration depth of Tetric Flow when it is bonded by two different methods: Group 1: total etch (phosphoric acid) and Scotch-bond 1 (3M), and Group 2: self-etching primer with Prompt (Espe). There was no significant difference (p > 0.03) between classical bonding vs self-etching primer. The self-etching primer Prompt is very efficient vs phosphoric acid in obturating the fissures of non carious bicuspids with Tetric Flow. It is concluded that for prevention by sealing, using a flowable ceromer (Tetric Flow) with the self-etching (Prompt), is a really good technique.     

Helioseal F窝沟封闭剂应用于预防性树脂充填术的临床疗效评价

目的评价Helioseal F窝沟封闭剂应用于预防性树脂充填术的临床疗效。方法 206颗窝沟龋患牙,随机分为2组,试验组102颗,预防性树脂充填后应用Helioseal F窝沟封闭剂;对照组104颗,预防性树脂充填后应用Helioseal窝沟封闭剂。术后3、6、12、18、24个月复查,采用改良的美国公共卫生署评价标准进行疗效评估。结果随访的2年内,2组固位情况、边缘密合性、边缘着色方面的差异均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,术后2年的继发龋发生率差异有统计学意义（χ2=6.572,P=0.010）。结论 Helioseal F窝沟封闭剂应用于预防性树脂充填术2年临床疗效肯定,在预防继发龋方面效果优于传统窝沟封闭剂。     

One year clinical evaluation of the retention and quality of two fluoride releasing sealants

In this prospective, double-blind, split-mouth-designed study, sealant retention rate and quality of two light-cured, fluoride-releasing sealants (Helioseal F, Fissurit F) were compared. Additionally the influence of the isolation method was evaluated. Fifty-eight subjects participated; 1 year later 54 of these (mean age 13.7±3.6 years) were reexamined. Sealants were applied to 203 tooth pairs (168 conventional and 25 invasive sealants). After 1 year, 193 tooth pairs were available for study; 82 were applied using rubber dam and 111 using cotton roll isolation. Retention rate and sealant quality were judged clinically and with photographs. The initial sealant quality was comparable for both materials. After 1 year, 53.4% of the Helioseal F sealants (44.6% of the Fissurit F sealants) were fully intact, 43.1% (51.8%) partially intact and 3.6% (3.6%) completely lost (P<0.001). Placement under rubber dam resulted in significantly higher retention rates for both sealants (P<0.001) as well as in an improved sealant quality. Cases of complete loss only occurred in teeth isolated with cotton rolls. The findings suggest that placement under rubber dam increases retention rate and sealant quality and may reduce material dependent factors that are considered a cause of sealant failures. Received: 12 July 1999 / Accepted: 30 August 1999     

季铵盐单体改性窝沟封闭剂的机械性能研究

目的：将季铵盐抗菌单体甲基丙烯酰氧乙基一正十六烷基一二甲基氯化铵（DMAE-CB）添加到窝沟封闭剂中获得改性封闭剂,评价添加季铵盐单体对封闭剂机械性能的影响。方法：将DMAE-CB添加到商品窝沟封闭剂Helioseal中获得DMAE-CB改性封闭剂作为实验组;未添加抗菌单体的Helioseal作为阴性对照,具备氟释放功能的窝沟封闭剂Helioseal F作为阳性对照,研究三组封闭剂在牙釉质表面的接触角、聚合转化率、表面硬度等机械性能。结果：DMAE-CB抗菌单体的添加并没有影响窝沟封闭剂在牙釉质表面的接触角、聚合转化率和硬度（P〉0.05）。结论：少量DMAE-CB抗菌单体的添加并没有对窝沟封闭剂本身的机械性能造成影响,具有临床应用的可行性。     

Evaluation of microtensile bond strength of different fissure sealants to bovine enamel

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of a new fissure sealant and compare it with conventional sealants which are applied to enamel alone, and also with self‐etch and etch‐and‐rinse adhesives. Methods: Enamel specimens were prepared and randomly distributed into three groups according to fissure sealant (Aegis, Helioseal F, Helioseal Clear). Each group was then subdivided according to adhesive system (Clearfil S3, Single Bond, no adhesive). A universal testing machine was used to measure μTBS, and data were analysed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests. Results: μTBS values for all Aegis subgroups were significantly lower than for comparable Helioseal F and Helioseal Clear subgroups (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in μTBS of Helioseal F and Helioseal Clear (p > 0.05). In the Helioseal Clear group, μTBS values for Single Bond were significantly higher than for Clearfil S3 (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the μTBS values of the adhesive subgroups in the Aegis or Helioseal F groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Sealant μTBS values may be affected by material content. The addition of an adhesive may improve μTBS values of sealant to enamel.     

SEM and microleakage evaluation of 3 flowable composites as sealants without using bonding agents

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine if flowable composites can be used as pit and fissure sealants without bonding agents. METHODS: Three flowable composites (Filtek Flow, Tetric Flow, Charmfil Flow) and a filled sealant (Ultraseal XT Plus) were used. The patterns of resin tag formation in the 4 sealant materials were compared using scanning electron microscopy. For the microleakage assessment, 54 extracted human premolar teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups. In each group, a conventional filled sealant and 1 of the 3 flowable composites were applied to occlusal fissures. The teeth were thermocycled and immersed in a 1% methylene blue solution for 48 hours. Each tooth was sectioned and examined to determine the extent of dye penetration. RESULTS: Three flowable composites and a filled sealant showed a similar resin tag formation pattern. The 3 flowable composites showed significantly more microleakage in each group than the filled sealant. The level of microleakage was similar in the 3 flowable composites. CONCLUSIONS: Concerning the microleakage data, use of the filled sealant is more effective in sealing mechanically prepared occlusal fissures in comparison to the flowable composites.     

Exposure to bisphenol A from bis-glycidyl dimethacrylate-based dental sealants

BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common component of composites and dental sealants. The potential exists for human exposure after sealant placement. METHODS: The authors prospectively enrolled 15 men in an exposure assessment study; 14 completed the study. After placement of clinically appropriate amounts of one of two sealants, the authors measured BPA in saliva and urine samples collected at prescribed intervals after the sealants were placed. They used selective and sensitive isotope-dilution mass-spectrometry-based methods for BPA measurements, thus providing the most reliable results. RESULTS: Helioseal F (Ivoclar Vivadent, Amherst, N.Y.) leached negligible amounts of BPA. Urinary and salivary BPA levels in subjects who received these sealants were similar to baseline levels. Delton Light Cure (LC) Opaque pit-and-fissure sealant (Dentsply/Ash, York, Pa.) leached more BPA, resulting in low-level BPA exposures similar to those used in laboratory animal testing. BPA exposure after Delton LC sealant placement was significantly higher than exposure after placement of Helioseal F. Patients treated with Delton LC had significantly higher doses of BPA (110 microg) than did those treated with Helioseal F (5.5 microg) (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Placement of clinically relevant amounts of Delton LC sealant resulted in low-level BPA exposure; however, exposure was negligible after placement of Helioseal F. Saliva collection after sealant placement likely reduced systemic absorption of BPA from dental sealants. Sealants should remain a useful part of routine preventive dental practice, especially those that leach negligible amounts of BPA. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dental sealants may be a point source for low-level BPA exposure at levels that show health effects in rodents. Further research is required to determine whether human exposure to BPA at these levels causes adverse effects.     

3种窝沟封闭剂微渗漏的实验研究

目的:比较3种窝沟封闭剂的微渗漏情况,为选择操作技术难度低且具良好边缘密合性的窝沟封闭剂提供实验依据.方法:收集正畸减数的上颌前磨牙40颗,随机分为5组,每组8颗.即:Helioseal F组、GC Fuji Ⅶ组、GC Fuji Ⅶ+唾液污染组、Embrace WetBond组、Embrace WetBond+唾液污...     

季铵盐单体改性窝沟封闭剂的抗菌性能研究

目的:将季铵盐抗菌单体甲基丙烯酰氧乙基一正十六烷基一二甲基氯化铵(DMAE-CB)添加到窝沟封闭剂中获得改性封闭剂,评价改性封闭剂对细菌生长、黏附的影响。方法:将DMAE-CB添加到商品窝沟封闭剂Helioseal中获得DMAE-CB改性封闭剂作为实验组;未添加抗菌单体的Helioseal则作为阴性对照,具备氟释放功能的窝沟封闭剂Helioseal F作为阳性对照,采用接触抑菌实验和黏附实验评价改性封闭剂的固化表面对变异链球菌生长和黏附的影响;研究老化处理对改性材料表面抗菌性能的影响;检测材料浸提液的抗菌活性。结果:DMAE-CB改性封闭剂固化后表面可以抑制变异链球菌的生长和黏附,老化处理后改性材料表面仍表现出一定的抗菌活性。同阴性对照相比,改性材料浸提液对细菌生长没有显著影响(P>0.05)。结论:DMAE-CB改性封闭剂固化后具备一定的抗菌活性,可以抑制变异链球菌的生长和黏附,老化处理后改性封闭剂材料仍表现出一定的抗菌活性,表现为接触性抑菌。     

Clinical evaluation of Helioseal F fissure sealant

Unfilled resins are commonly in use as sealant material. In addition, there are filled sealants available. Helioseal F is a newly developed filled material with fluoride release. In this clinical trial, Helioseal F has been evaluated in one lower molar versus Delton opaque as an unfilled control in lower molars. After 12 months there were no significant differences in retention, porosities, and the number of clinically unacceptable margins between the materials. The complete retention was 30 out of 31 examined teeth for Delton and 28 out of 31 for Helioseal F. After 1 year of clinical testing, these results indicate that a sealant containing fluoride-releasing particles did not show a significant difference in retention rate compared to an unfilled conventional sealant. However, long-term results concerning marginal adaptation should be evaluated. Received: 20 June 1997 / Accepted: 3 November 1997     

Genotoxic biomonitoring of flowable and non-flowable composite resins in peripheral blood leukocytes

Abstract

Objective. Composite restorative materials represent one of the most important groups of materials in contemporary dental practice. However, their incomplete polymerization may lead to monomer-induced genotoxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genotoxicity of three flowable (Filtek Supreme XT Flow, Tetric EvoFlow, Gradia Direct Flo) and three non-flowable dental composite materials (Filtek Z250, Tetric EvoCeram, Gradia Direct Posterior). Materials and methods. Genotoxicity assessment of composite materials was carried out in vitro in human peripheral blood leukocytes using the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis technique (comet assay). Prepared materials were eluted in saline solution for 1 h, 1 day and 5 days. Thereafter leukocyte cultures were treated with different concentrations of eluates obtained from each of the tested dental composite materials. Kruskall-Wallis non-parametric test was used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Results. The tested materials did not show genotoxic effects after exposure of leucocytes to 1 h eluates. Culture treated with 1 day eluates of all tested materials, only at a highest concentration (10^?2), affected the measured cytogenetic parameters. Of all tested materials, only Filtek Z250 and Filtek Supreme XT Flow did not exhibit a genotoxic effect in cultures that were under the influence of 5 day eluates. Conclusion. Tested materials exhibited limited genotoxic activity in peripheral blood leukocytes. Since the effect was observed only in leukocyte cultures treated by 1-day eluates at the highest concentration (10^?2) and it decreases in cultures exposed to 5 day eluates, it should not pose a significant risk to the human genome.     

Bisphenol-A content of resin monomers and related degradation products

Recently, it was reported that Bisphenol-A (BPA) was released from one fissure sealant (Delton) into saliva causing estrogenic activity in vitro. The aim of this study was to chemically analyze the BPA content of different fissure sealant resin monomers and their release of BPA under hydrolytic conditions. BPA content was first measured in commercially available monomers of bisphenol-A glycidyldimethacrylate (Bis-GMA), bisphenol-A dimethacrylate (Bis-DMA) and bisphenol-A diglycidylether (BADGE). Then, Bis-GMA-monomer and Bis-DMA-monomer in methanol were subjected to pH values of 0 to 11 for 30 minutes at 50°C, to porcine liver esterase, and to pooled saliva for up to 24 hours. The BPA-content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Bis-GMA-monomer and BADGE-monomer from one manufacturer did not contain any detectable amounts of BPA (≤2 ppm); Bis-DMA and BADGE-monomer from a second manufacturer contained BPA quantities of 4–155 ppm. For Bis-GMA-monomer, no BPA could be detected under any hydrolytic conditions chosen (detection limit: ≤1%). For Bis-DMA-monomer an increase of BPA was observed at pH 11, resulting in a conversion of approx. 100% Bis-DMA to BPA. When Bis-DMA was subjected to esterase, a conversion of 82.5 % resulted after 24 h; saliva led to an 81.4 % conversion of Bis-DMA after 24 h. Hence, we conclude that the results reported in the literature may be attributed to the Bis-DMA-content of the fissure sealant tested (Delton). No BPA-release is expected under physiologic conditions from fissure sealants based on Bis-GMA if pure base monomers are used. Received: 16 June 1999 / Accepted: 19 July 1999     

含氟封闭剂在乳磨牙早期窝沟龋预防性树脂充填术中的临床应用

目的：评价Helioseal F窝沟封闭剂结合预防性树脂充填术在儿童乳磨牙早期窝沟龋中的临床应用效果。方法：382颗患牙,随机分为两组。实验组192颗,应用Helioseal F窝沟封闭剂;对照组190颗,应用Helioseal窝沟封闭剂。两组病例均在预防性树脂充填术后在面进行窝沟封闭。进行1～3年随防观察。结果：经过3年随防,HeliosealF窝沟封闭剂3年完全保留率分别为：94.12%、86.49%、78.65%;龋病发生率分别为：0%、2.16%、3.93%;实验组龋病发生率显著低于对照组（P〈0.05）;封闭剂保留率与龋病发生率成负相关。结论：Helioseal F窝沟封闭剂结合预防性树脂充填术可有效防治儿童乳磨牙早期窝沟龋,其防龋效果优于传统窝沟封闭剂。     

Tetric N-Flow流动树脂用于窝沟釉质成形封闭术的临床效果评价

目的 评价Tetric N-Flow流动树脂应用于窝沟釉质成形封闭术（Enameloplasty Sealant Technique,EST）的临床效果.方法 以64名6～7岁儿童为研究对象,采用半口对照法,对每位儿童的口腔左右上下第一恒磨牙分别进行EST,其中一侧使用Tetric N-Flow流动树脂,另一侧使用Helioseal F窝沟封闭剂,临床追踪观察2年,记录材料的保留、脱落情况及龋病发生情况,统计学分析相关指标.结果 在封闭术后半年和1年,两组材料的保存率和龋病发生率均无统计学差异;而封闭术后2年,Tetric N-Flow流动树脂组与Helioseal F窝沟封闭剂组的材料全部保留率分别为91.80％和80.33％,龋病发生率分别为2.46％和9.84％,两组差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.结论 采用Tetric N-Flow流动树脂进行EST的远期效果优于常用的传统窝沟封闭剂,Tetric N-Flow流动树脂是一种良好的窝沟封闭材料,可在临床上推广应用.     

Clinical comparison of a flowable composite and fissure sealant: A 24-month split-mouth,randomized, and controlled study

Objectives

The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the retention rate and caries-prevention effect of a flowable composite compared to a conventional resin-based sealant in a young population over a 24-month period.

Methods

Thirty-four patients, ranging in age from 16 to 22 years, diagnosed with at least 2 non-cavitated pit-and-fissure caries in the first and second molars were selected for this randomized split-mouth design trial. A total of 220 sealants, were placed in 117 upper molars and 103 lower molars. The teeth were sealed with a flowable resin composite (Tetric Evo Flow) or a sealant material (Helioseal F). Each restoration was independently evaluated in terms of retention and the presence of caries at baseline and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months. Data were analyzed using non-parametric Mann–Whitney U and Friedman 1-way ANOVA tests at p < 0.05.

Results

Tetric Evo Flow showed complete retention with 100%, 95.5%, 93.8%, and 88.5% at 1, 6, 12, and 24-month evaluations, respectively, while Helioseal F retention rates were 98.1%, 95.5%, 94.8%, and 85.4%, respectively, for the same evaluation periods. At the 24-month recall, 4 (4.2%) total losses were observed in subjects treated with Tetric Evo Flow and 2 total losses (2.1%) for Helioseal F, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the materials in retention rates or caries incidence for each evaluation period (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Placement of flowable composite as fissure sealants in the younger population seems to be as effective as conventional fluoride containing fissure sealants for the prevention of fissure caries.

Clinical relevance

The use of a flowable composite as a fissure sealant material, in conjunction with a total-etch, single bottle adhesive, yielded better retention than did the conventional fluoride containing resin-based fissure sealant over a 24-month period in young patients.     

EFFECTS OF POLISHING PROCEDURES ON COLOR STABILITY OF COMPOSITE RESINS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different polishing methods on color stability of posterior, universal and nanohybrid composite resin restorative materials upon exposure to a staining agent. Twenty-five specimens were prepared for each of 5 different composite resins (Filtek Z250, Filtek P60, Quadrant LC, Grandio and Filtek Supreme). Specimens were divided into 5 groups and different polishing procedures, including polishing discs (Pd), polishing discs then diamond polishing paste (PdP), polishing discs then a liquid polishing system (Biscover) (PdB), and combinations of these (PdPB) were used. Unpolished specimens served as the control (C). The specimens were stored for 48 h in a coffee solution. The color of all specimens was measured before and after exposure with a colorimeter, and total color change ∆E*) were calculated. The data were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA and the means were compared by Tukey HSD test (α=0.05). The lowest color difference was observed in the groups PdP and C, while the highest color difference was observed in PdPB, and PdB. When comparing the five different restorative materials, no significant difference was observed between FiltekP60 and FiltekZ250, and these materials demonstrated significantly less color change than Quadrant LC and the nanohybrid materials (Grandio, Filtek Supreme). The posterior (Filtek P60) and universal (Filtek Z250) composite resin restorative materials, which do not contain tetraethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), were found to be less stainable than the nanohybrid (Grandio, Filtek Supreme) and universal (Quadrant LC) composite resins, which contain TEGDMA. The use of diamond polishing paste after polishing with polishing discs significantly decreased staining when compared to the groups that used polishing discs alone, for all restorative materials tested. The highest color change values were obtained for the specimens that were polished with the Biscover liquid polish system (PdB and PdPB groups).     

Assessment of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effect of Fissure Sealants in Buccal Epithelial Cells

AimThe main purpose of this study was to assess the genotoxic and cytotoxic effect of fissure sealants on buccal epithelial cells.Material and methodsThe study was conducted on 45 patients (27 girls and 18 boys), seven to 16 years of age (age mean 12.09 ± 2.20). Buccal swabs were collected before (T0), seven (T1), 30 (T2) and 90 days (T3) consequently after fissure sealant placement (Helioseal F®, Equia Fil®, Constic®). Patients or legal guardians filled in the questionnaire regarding the demographic data (age, gender), dietary habits, health status, medication usage, and recent X-ray exposure. DNA damage was analyzed using the micronucleus test.ResultsStatistically significant difference in the number of buccal cells with condensed chromatin was found between T0 (time before fissure sealant placement) and T3 (90 days after fissure sealant placement) period for Helioseal F® (P = 0.025). For the other two analyzed materials, no difference was observed during the tested period. There was no difference between materials in the same sampling time.ConclusionApart from an increase in cells with condensed chromatin 90 days after the placement of Helioseal F®, no other nuclear abnormalities were observed for tested fissure sealants. Although these sealants have now largely been used, it is of high importance that their biocompatibility is checked continuously, especially in in vivo clinical studies.     

Permeability of different types of medical protective gloves to acrylic monomers

Dental personnel and orthopedic surgeons are at risk when manually handling products containing methyl methacrylate (MMA). Dental products may also contain cross-linking agents such as ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) or 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate (1,4-BDMA). Skin contact with monomers can cause hand eczema, and the protection given by gloves manufactured from different types of material is not well known. The aim of this study was to determine the breakthrough time (BTT, min) as a measure of protection (according to the EU standard EN-374-3) for a mixture consisting of MMA, EGDMA and 1,4-BDMA. Fifteen different gloves representing natural rubber latex material, synthetic rubber material (e.g. nitrile rubbers), and synthetic polymer material were tested. The smallest monomer MMA permeated within 3 min through all glove materials. A polyethylene examination glove provided the longest protection period to EGDMA and 1, 4-BDMA (> 120 min and 25.0 min), followed by the surgical glove Tactylon (6.0 min and 8.7 min) and the nitrile glove Nitra Touch (5.0 min and 8.7 min). This study showed that the breakthrough time (based on permeation rate) cannot be regarded as a 'safe limit'. When the permeation rate is low, monomers may have permeated before BTT can be determined. Using double gloves with a synthetic rubber inner glove and a natural rubber outer glove provided longer protection when the inner glove was rinsed in water before placing the outer glove on top.     

Penetration and microleakage of dental sealants in artificial fissures

This study investigated sealant penetration and dye microleakage of a resin composite system, a compomer system, and a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement in artificially grooved fissures in human molars. Ionosit Seal penetrated 99% of the artificial crevices, whereas Dyract Seal penetrated 97%. The penetration of Helioseal F at 90% was statistically different (P<.0001) from the other 2 materials. Microleakage dye penetration occurred in 22% of the Dyract Seal samples, while it occurred in 5% of Healioseal F and 7% of Ionosit Seal samples. The viscosity and flow properties of the 3 sealants allowed the materials to penetrate the artificial grooves, but they did not seem to affect their sealing capacity.