Effect of preparation technique, fissure morphology, and material characteristics on the in vitro margin permeability and penetrability of pit and fissure sealants

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of material characteristics, preparation techniques, and fissure morphology on the microleakage and penetrability of pit and fissure sealants. Methods: Sealants used in the study included: (1) Aegis; (2) Conseal f; (3) Admira Seal; (4) Triage; and (5) Delton Opaque. A total of 100 extracted permanent molars were randomly assigned to 10 groups that combined the materials and preparation technique (pumice prophylaxis and air abrasion). Following sealant placement, the specimens were: (1) subjected to thermal-cycling and dye immersion; (2) invested in acrylic; (3) sectioned for microscopic examination; and (4) assessed for dye penetration (microleakage) and penetrability. Results: Significant differences in microleakage were seen. Aegis using pumice-prophylaxis surface pretreatment showed significantly less leakage than the other groups. Significant differences were also exhibited between groupsseen regarding sealant penetrability, with Delton and Triage (pumice prophylaxis) revealing the greatest values. Fissure morphology was not a significant factor regarding microleakage. Morphology did significantly impact sealant penetrability, however, with u-type fissures displaying the greatest values. No correlation was found between the extent of microleakage and sealant penetrability. Conclusion: Material characteristics and fissure morphology were significant factors regarding sealant success, while surface preparation did not play an important role in sealant microleakage or fissure penetrability.