Assessment and comparison of microleakage of a fluoride-releasing sealant after acid etching and Er: YAG laser treatment - An in vitro study

Contemp Clin Dent. 2012 Jan;3(1):64-8. doi: 10.4103/0976-237X.94549.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to estimate and compare the microleakage of a pit and fissure sealant after etching and Er:YAG laser treatment.

Materials and methods: Twenty non-carious premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were equally divided into two groups. Samples in Group- I were treated with 37% phosphoric acid. Samples in Group II were irradiated with Er: YAG laser at 400 mJ at 4 Hz. Sealant was placed and light cured. Then, the samples were subjected to thermocycling. The samples were then immersed in 1% methylene blue. The samples were sectioned and examined under stereomicroscope at ×10 magnification.

Results: Acid etched samples showed significantly less microleakage when compared to laser etching and it was statistically significant (P<0.01).

Keywords: Er:YAG laser; microleakage; sealants.