A Laboratory Evaluation of a New Pit and Fissure Sealant

A variety of pit and fissure sealants are used clinically to protect the occlusal surfaces of teeth against dental caries. A new chemically activated bis-GMA type sea­ lant, Delton Pit and Fissure Sealant, has recently be­ come commercially available. The Delton Etching So­ lution supplied with the sealant contains 35 per cent orthophosphoric acid. The tensile bond strength of this sealant to etched enamel surfaces was deter­ mined by means of two techniques. Tensile bond strengths of 9,2 ± 2,1 MPa and 7,6 ± 1,2 MPa were ob­ tained respectively. All the test specimens failed with­ in the sealant and not at the interface. The effects of the Delton Etching Solution on distolingual grooves and lingual surfaces of maxillary molars and mesiobuccal grooves and buccal surfaces of mandibu­ lar molars were studied by scanning electron micro­ scopy. Adequate resin penetration into the etched ena­ mel was observed immediately adjacent to these grooves. Sealed teeth were subjected to 8,500 cyclic temperature changes with a temperature differential of 43°C, and the marginal leakage subsequently eva­ luated by means of a fluorescent dye technique. Mar­ ginal leakage was not observed at the sealant-etched enamel interfaces. These results suggest that Delton Pit and Fissure Sealant has the potential to perform well in clinical application. OPSOMMING