Effect of saliva contamination on the sealing properties of glass ionomer sealants placed over Er,Cr:YSGG laser-etched fissures

Authors

  • BI Oter Baskent University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Ankara,Turkey - D.D.S., PhD. Research Associate, Baskent University Istanbul Research Center and Hospital, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Istanbul
  • RE Tirali Baskent University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Ankara,Turkey - D.D.S., PhD. Associate Professor
  • BM Ozgul Baskent University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Ankara,Turkey- D.D.S., PhD. Research Associate
  • N Berk Baskent University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Ankara,Turkey - D.D.S., PhD. Orthodontist, Private Practice, Ankara
  • SB Cehreli D.D.S., PhD. Professor and Chair, Baskent University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Ankara

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2017.18.03.10

Keywords:

Atraumatic restorative technique (ART), Fissure sealant, Glass ionomer, Laser pretreatment, Microleakage, Sealants

Abstract

AIM: This study investigated the effect of laser pretreatment in reducing the microleakage of conventional (GIC) and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC) sealants on saliva-contaminated enamel. METHODS: Study Design: 80 extracted non-carious third molars were randomly assigned to two groups (n=40/each): Group A enamel pretreatment with erbium, chromium:yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser; and Group B no pretreatment. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n=20/each) based on presence/absence of saliva contamination following laser pretreatment. In subgroups: fissures were sealed with GIC (n=10) or RMGIC (n=10). Microleakage was evaluated quantitatively using an image analysis toolkit (ImageJ), and the data were statistically analysed. CONCLUSION: Among the tested combinations, GIC sealant with Er,Cr:YSGG pretreatment may be the best approach for sealing pits and fissures, when saliva contamination is inevitable before sealant application.