Abstract

Dr. Lakshmi Venugopal*, Dr. Anjana G., Dr. Saravanakumar M. S., Dr. Murali Krishnan B., Dr. Vidya Manoharan and Dr. Amrutha Joy

ABSTRACT

Background: Caries has been a problem for individuals of all age. The teeth at highest risk for caries are the permanent first and second molars. Pit and fissure dental sealants have reduced caries over 70%. Driven by modern concepts of Minimally Invasive Dentistry and recent developments in adhesives technology; PF SEAL SE, a faster, easier, and gentler sealant system that eliminates the need for acid etch and rinse is created. The aim of this study is to compare the retention of PF SEAL SE (Self Etching Sealant) with and without pre etching with 37% phosphoric acid by determining the depth of resin tag penetration. Materials and methods: Twenty freshly extracted maxillary first premolars were randomly divided into two groups. Length of resin tags in self etching sealant with and without pre etching with phosphoric acid was determined using scanning electron microscope. Results: Group A (PF SEAL SE with pre etching) showed good penetration to the tooth surface with a mean value of resin tag length obtained as 18.98 microns. Whereas Group B (PF SEAL SE without pre etching) no resin tag formation was observed, rather a gap formation was seen at resin tooth interface with a mean value of 61.22 microns. Conclusion: PF SEAL SE does not exhibit any efficient bonding and penetration to the tooth surface. But the penetration capacity of the sealant might be improved by previous acid etching of the dental enamel. Therefore, utilization of previous acid etching or removal of prismatic enamel layers may result in superior retention.