Effects of different fissure sealant applications on laser fluorescence measurements.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of using only phosphoric acid or a self-etch bonding agent under clear and opaque fissure sealants on laser fluorescence (LF) readings and the reproducibility of the laser device.

METHODS

Eighty extracted permanent molars, ranged from sound to carious, were randomly divided into four groups: phosphoric acid + opaque sealant (group I), Clearfil S3 Bond (Kuraray, Kurashiki, Japan) + opaque sealant (group II), phosphoric acid + clear sealant (group III), and Clearfil S3 Bond + clear sealant (group IV). The teeth were measured using an LFpen device, before and after sealing. Data were analysed using the Spearman's correlation, Wilcoxon signed rank, and Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

Except group IV, there was a statistically significant decrease in fluorescence after the application of sealants (P < 0.05). The decrease of LFpen readings in the opaque sealant groups was more significant than the clear sealant groups (P < 0.05). But for both sealants, the difference between phosphoric acid and Clearfil S3 Bond groups was nonsignificant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a statistically significant decrease in fluorescence for both clear and opaque sealant groups. However, clear sealant with Clearfil S3 Bond does not influence the LFpen readings.