SEM and microleakage evaluation of 3 flowable composites as sealants without using bonding agents.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine if flowable composites can be used as pit and fissure sealants without bonding agents. METHODS Three flowable composites (Filtek Flow, Tetric Flow, Charmfil Flow) and a filled sealant (Ultraseal XT Plus) were used. The patterns of resin tag formation in the 4 sealant materials were compared using scanning electron microscopy. For the microleakage assessment, 54 extracted human premolar teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups. In each group, a conventional filled sealant and 1 of the 3 flowable composites were applied to occlusal fissures. The teeth were thermocycled and immersed in a 1% methylene blue solution for 48 hours. Each tooth was sectioned and examined to determine the extent of dye penetration. RESULTS Three flowable composites and a filled sealant showed a similar resin tag formation pattern. The 3 flowable composites showed significantly more microleakage in each group than the filled sealant. The level of microleakage was similar in the 3 flowable composites. CONCLUSIONS Concerning the microleakage data, use of the filled sealant is more effective in sealing mechanically prepared occlusal fissures in comparison to the flowable composites.