Comparative Evaluation of Marginal Microleakage of Conventional Fissure Sealants and Self-adhering Flowable Composites as Fissure Sealant in Permanent Teeth - An In Vitro Study

Background: Sealant therapy is the safe and effective way to prevent dental caries in newly erupted teeth. Success of sealant therapy depends on the good isolation, patient corporation and the decrease step for the application of sealant. Aim: Comparative evaluation of marginal microleakage of conventional fissure sealants and self-adhering flowable composites as fissure sealant in permanent teeth-an in vitro study. Materials and Methods: This in vitro, an experimental study was conducted on 40 extracted human premolar teeth. The teeth were divided randomly into two groups of 20. In the first group, fissure sealant (Fissurit F, Voco) was placed on the teeth. In the second group, self-adhering flowable composite (Dyad Flow, Kerr, USA) was applied as the sealant. Then, both groups were immersed in 2% fuchsin dye solution for 24 h. Sectioned samples were observed with a stereomicroscope for the extent of dye penetration. Data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney test (P < 0.05). Result: Microleakage in the fissure sealant group was significantly higher than that in the self-adhering flowable composite group. Conclusion: Microleakage was less using self-adhering flowable composite compared to conventional fissure sealant; therefore, self-adhering flowable composite can be used as a suitable fissure sealant in permanent teeth.