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

Abstract

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.