Effect of chlorhexidine solution on microleakage of pit and fissure sealants in permanent teeth with and without the use of fifth- and sixth-generation adhesive systems

Introduction: Due to concerns about histological caries and recurrent caries after the use of sealants, adhesive systems containing fluoride and antibacterial agents have been proposed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microleakage of sealants after the use of antibacterial chlorhexidine solution on etched enamel with and without the use of fifth- and sixth-generation adhesive systems. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, sixty sound human premolars were divided into 4 groups as follows:  Group A: Etching, fissure sealant; Group B: Etching, chlorhexidine solution (2 %), fissure sealant; Group C: Etching, chlorhexidine solution, single bond, fissure sealant; Group D: Etching, chlorhexidine solution, Clearfil SE Bond, fissure sealant. The samples were thermocycled for 500 cycles and immersed in basic fuchsine 0.5%. Then, the teeth were embedded in acrylic resin and cut buccolingually parallel to the long axis. Microleakage of the specimens was observed under ×40 magnification and graded from 0 to 3. Data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Sealant micro-leakage was statistically lower in group A (etching, fissure sealant) than in groups B, C and D, the groups with the chlorhexidine solution (P < 0.05).   There was no statistically significant difference between groups B, C and D. Conclusion: The use of chlorhexidine solution on the etched enamel increases the sealant microleakage; with and without the application of the adhesive systems, Single Bond or Clearfil SE Bond. Therefre, it cannot be used as one of the steps in the application of the sealant to reduce the colonization of bacteria around the fissure sealant.