Effect of acid etching and different Er:YAG laser procedures on microleakage of three different fissure sealants in primary teeth after aging

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different surface conditioning procedures on microleakage and unfilled area proportions of three fissure sealants(Aegis, Helioseal and Helioseal F) in primary molar teeth. One hundred and fifty teeth were randomly divided into five main groups according to surface conditioning procedures. Main groups were; acid-etching(Group A); laser 3.75 W(Group B) and 5 W(Group D); acid-etching combined with laser 3.75 W(Group C) and 5 W(Group E). Samples were aged by thermocycling and water bath. Afterwards, they were immersed in basic fuchsin solution for 24 h and bucco-lingual sections were obtained from each tooth. Digital images were taken using a stereo-microscope and the microleakage and unfilled area proportions were assessed by using a software system. Consequently, Aegis FS containing amorphous calcium phosphate was found to exhibit the lowest microleakage in all surface conditioning procedures. Unfilled areas were not detected in Groups C and E of all FSs.