Effect of Different Protocols on The Microleakage of A Fissure Sealant Applied During Saliva Contamination

Abstract

Statement of the problem: Saliva contamination during sealant application has negative consequences that affects long-term success including retention and caries progression. Objective: The effect of different protocols to minimize the effect of saliva contamination on the microleakage of a resin based fissure sealant material (3M Clinpro™ Sealant) was investigated. Materials & Methods: Extracted human third molars (n=160) were used: Group A. Etch-and-rinse adhesive (Prime & Bond One Select); Group B. Selfetching adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond). These comprised eight paired subgroups where enameloplasty was done (or not), saliva contamination occurred before (or after) the polymerization of the bonding agent and the entire procedure was repeated (or not) following saliva contamination before the sealant application. Following thermocycling, the samples were immersed in basic fuchsin, sectioned, and dye penetration was quantitatively assessed with ImageJ. The data were statistically analyzed (α=0.05). Results: Significantly less microleakage was observed in Group A (P=0.000). Intergroup differences with respect to the effect of adhesive type, enameloplasty, saliva contamination occurred after the polymerization of the bonding agent and repeating the entire procedure following saliva contamination were significant (p<0.05, each). Enameloplasty reduced microleakage in subgroups of A and B (P=0.002 and P=0.014, respectively). Saliva contamination after the polymerization of the bonding agent resulted in less microleakage in subgroups of A and B (P=0.01 and P=0.002, respectively). Less microleakage was observed in subgroups of A and B where the entire procedure was repeated following saliva contamination (P=0.000, both). Conclusions: The use of etch-and-rinse adhesive, enameloplasty, saliva contamination occurring after the polymerization of the bonding agent and repeating the entire procedure reduced microleakage of the fissure sealant applied during saliva contamination.