Evaluation of microleakage and adaptability of glass ionomer and resin sealants with invasive and non invasive technique

Introduction: Both resin based sealants and glass ionomer cement are widely used for sealing the pit and fi ssures for preventing occlusal caries but the effi cacy of one over the other is not conclusively proven. The dilemma of hidden caries has led to invasively opening of the fi ssure before sealant placement leading to other advantages such as elimination of organic material and plaque, enabling a thicker layer of sealant, higher retention rates and reduced risk of microleakage. Aims and objectives: To compare microleakage and the fl ow and adaptability of resin based sealant (Voco, Fissurit–F) and glass ionomer sealant (GC, Fuji VII) applied with invasive and non invasive technique. Methodology: 100 non carious young premolars were used for this study and they were divided into four groups of 25 teeth each: Group 1: Non-invasive technique glass ionomer sealant, Group 2: Invasive glass ionomer sealant, Group 3: Non-Invasive resin based sealant, Group 4: Invasive resin based sealant. 5 teeth from each group were evaluated under scanning electron microscope (SEM) for fl ow and adaptability. For microleakage analysis teeth were immersed in 5% methylene blue, sectioned buccolingually and scored under stereomicroscope. Results: The fl ow and adaptation of glass ionomer sealant was slightly better than resin based sealant. The invasive technique provided better fl ow and adaptation but was not statistically signifi cant. Lowest microleakage was seen in Group 4. Irrespective of the technique used resin based sealant had lesser microleakage when compared to glass ionomer sealant, which was statistically signifi cant (p=0.01). Microleakage between invasive and non invasive groups was not signifi cant statistically. Conclusion: Resin based sealant is superior in terms of preventing microleakage. Pit and fi ssure preparation using burs need not be done routinely unless there is presence of suspected fi ssure caries.