Bacterial Microleakage of an Experimental P&F Sealant with MCP

Objectives: To compare the sealing properties of three Pit & Fissure (P&F) sealants, Embrace Wet Bond, an experimental P&F sealant (Embrace MCP) and ClinPro (control). Sealing properties of the materials were tested by means of a bacterial microleakage test according to ISO requirements.
Methods: 30 (n=30) extracted intact human third molars were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 teeth (n=10) each. The teeth were cleaned with two passes of air abrasion, followed by rinsing for 20s and then dried with compressed air for 20s.The coronal portion of each tooth was sectioned perpendicular to the long axis at the CE- junction.A parallel sided vertical channel 1 mm in diameter was prepared in the central fossa through the entire sample. All samples were sterilized. After etching the occlusal surface with 37% phosphoric acid followed by rinsing, the sealants were applied. The samples were stored at 37⁰C in SPB for 3 weeks, thermal cycled for 2000x (5-55⁰C) and coated with nail varnish leaving 1 mm enamel exposed. They were then tested for bacterial leakage (Enterococcus faecalis). The broth was checked daily for turbidity up to 60 days. Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05.
Results: No statistical difference was observed between Embrace WB and ClinPro (p>0.05). The experimental sealer exhibited no bacterial leakage after 60 days.
Conclusions: The experimental sealant outperformed the two other tested sealants. Long term clinical studies are recommended to confirm these findings. (In part supported by Pulpdent Corp).