Microleakage assessment of pit and fissure sealant with and without the use of pumice prophylaxis

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effect of pumice prophylaxis on the level of microleakage around and between the sealant and enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 freshly extracted sound upper first premolars, assigned as suitable for sealant application, were chosen and divided randomly into two groups: (1) a test group, without prophylaxis; and (2) a control group, with prophylaxis. Sealant was applied to all teeth using the same conventional technique, with prophylaxis being omitted in the test group. The sealed teeth were thermocycled (120 x 30 s, 5 and 55 degrees C cycles) and then immersed in 2% Basic Fuchsin solution for 72 h. Each tooth was sectioned and examined for dye penetration under a stereomicroscope (x 60 magnification). RESULTS: No dye penetration was seen in 19 (29.6%) of the teeth in the test group and 36 (56.2%) of the teeth in the control group. Dye had penetrated to the base of the fissure in 31 (48.4%) of the teeth in the test group and 23 (35.9%) of the teeth in the control group. Using a chi-square test for trend, the frequency of microleakage was significantly higher in the test group compared to the controls (P < 0.016). CONCLUSION: Prophylaxis has a role in improving sealant retention. Removing this step may cause an increase in microleakage.