Objective: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the effects of four commercial fluoride-containing pit-and-fissure sealants on caries prevention.
Materials and methods: Four sealants containing fluoride, Fuji III, Fuji III LC (GC Co., Tokyo), Teethmate F-1 (Kuraray Medical Co., Osaka) and Helioseal F (Vivadent Co., Liechtenstein) were used to investigate fluoride release and recharge. Disk-shaped specimens prepared from each material were immersed in distilled water at a temperature of 37 degrees C. After seven days, acidulated phosphate fluoride solution (APF) was applied to each specimen, and it was then again immersed in distilled water for 14 days. We then determined how much fluoride had been released into the immersing water. Fuji III LC was used with APF solution to investigate the fluoride uptake.
Results: Fuji III had the highest fluoride release, and Fuji III LC had the highest fluoride recharge. Helioseal F and Teethmate F-1 had almost no fluoride recharge. Fuji III LC/APF had a higher fluoride uptake to enamel than Fuji III LC.
Conclusions: These results suggest that GIC-sealants in the oral cavity can serve as a fluoride reservoir and contribute to retaining a low fluoride level in oral fluids, thereby preventing caries.