EFFECTS OF SELF-ETCH ADHESIVES ON MICROLEAKAGE OF FISSURE SEALANTS

Abstract

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microleakage of fissure sealants placed with different adhesive systems. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight extracted sound human mandibular molars were randomly assigned into four groups according to the mode of fissure sealant application; group Iacid etching; group II- acid etching followed by etch-and-rinse adhesive (Single Bond); group III- two-step self-etch adhesive (Adper SE Plus); group IV- one-step self-etch (Adper Easy One). After adhesive application, the fissure sealant was placed over the occlusal fissures and polymerized. The teeth were stored in distilled water, thermocycled (5/550C, 1000X) and then stained. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally and viewed under a stereomicroscope for dye penetration. The data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. Results: Group I in which fissure sealant was applied followed by acid etching without an adhesive system exhibited the higher microleakage when compared to the other groups (II, III, IV) (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed between rest of groups (Group II, III and IV) where an adhesive application were performed prior to sealant application (p>0.05). Conclusions: The use of adhesive system before application of fissure sealant decreased microleakage.