Work

Micro-CT assessment of sealant penetration in different types of fissures in primary molars

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Sealants prevent the development of dental caries by forming a protective barrier that reduces bacterial growth and food retention. The morphology of the pits and fissures and the material of the sealant can affect the depth to which it penetrates into the fissures and the longevity and durability of the sealant. Aim: To compare the depth of penetration into fissures and pits of different types of sealants in primary molars using micro-CT assessment. Material and methods: Forty intact primary molars were extracted just prior to their physiologic exfoliation. They were sealed with glass ionomer cement (GIC) and resin sealant. The samples were scanned with a desktop X-ray microtomograph. The fissure profile, sealant penetration depth, and depth of the unfilled part of the fissure were measured. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: The median penetration depth of GIC was 89% (IQR 81.31%–100.00%) in U-type fissures and 66% (IQR 55.64%–76.77%) in V-type fissures. The deepest median penetration with resin sealant was found in U-type fissures 89% (IQR 73.16%–100.00%) and the shallowest median depth was found in IK-type fissures 34% (IQR 25.39%–41.73%). Penetration depths ranged from 34% to 43% in the I and IK fissure types. No statistically significant difference was found in the penetration of the two types of sealants in the different types of fissures (p>0.05), except for those classified as other types. There, a significantly greater depth of penetration was found in the group of teeth sealed with GIC - median 56%, compared to the resin sealant, which reached only 40% of the fissure depth (p=0.003). Conclusion: The morphology of the fissure plays a more important role in determining the depth to which the sealant will penetrate the fissure than the type of sealant material used.

Source: Folia Medica

DOI: 10.3897/folmed.67.e140934

Authors: Krasimir Hristov, Ralitsa Bogovska-Gigova, Nedana Georgieva

Institution: Medical University of Sofia

Language: English

Topic: Dental materials and restorations

Subfield: Orthodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: European Commission