Evaluation of microleakage in fissure sealants using the conventional etching technique and self-etching adhesive, in teeth with artificial saliva

Fissure sealants can prevent caries and demineralization process of dental enamel, however, sealants could increase the risk of caries when weak sealing provokes microleakage of substances and bacteria through the tooth and the sealant. A longitudinal and experimental study using 50 healthy teeth (bicuspid) and without restorations is presented, these teeth were divided in 4 groups: Every group was analyzed considering the following factors: Group 1: prophylaxis, acid etching and sealant, Group 2: prophylaxis, adhesive and sealant application, Group 3: prophylaxis, acid etching, salivary contamination and sealant application, Group 4: prophylaxis, salivary contamination, adhesive and sealant application. All groups were thermocycled at 500 cycles, tinged with methylene blue and seen with a microscope. The results showed that Group 4 was the one with a higher microleakage (61.5%). Group 3 had the higher percentage of detachment of the fissure sealant (41.5%). Group 1, which was treated with sealant using the conventional technique, showed the lower percentage of microleakage (32%). In relation to detached sealant it is concluded that the saliva used in Group 4 promoted the adhesion since it showed a lower percentage of removed sealant (20.5%). It was concluded that sealant application with the conventional technique obtained best results. The use of adhesive before the application of sealant showed microleakage. Teeth with saliva avoided the detachment of the sealant, it is assumed this fact might have happened because of the adhesive viscosity is diminished in contact with saliva, obtaining a better adhesion.