Preventing Capability of Resin-infiltration-technique on Occlusal Fissures

Objective: To compare the effect of resin infiltration tecnique with topical fluoride and conventional fissure sealant applications on the sub-surface chemical composition changes of demineralized occlusal fissures under simulated oral conditions. Methods: Sixty-four extracted intact human third molar were used in this study. After adequate storage and surface debridment, the occlusal surfaces were subjected to demineralization solution to obtain standart lesions on occlusal fissures. The teeth were then randomly divided into four groups according to preventive applications (n=16). G1: No preventive treatment was applied and the demineralized specimens were used as control; G2: Topical fluoride application (APF Gel/ DEEPAK); G3: Fissure sealant application (ClinproTMSealant/ 3M ESPE); G4: Resin infiltration technique (Icon/ DMG). Eight specimens from each group were kept to evaluate the immediate chemical composition changes and the remaining 8 teeth from each group were subjected to pH cycling for 15 days to simulate the oral conditions. Subsequently, the specimens were fractured along the pre-formed slits by immersion in liquid nitrogen to provide a clear sagittal view and the sub-surface Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Fluorine (F) and Oxygen (O) levels of each specimen were measured using an energy dispersive spectrometer (Bruker Axs XFlash 3001 SDD-EDS). SEM investigations were performed for the qualitative evaluation of surface topography. The data were subjected to statistical analysis for the changes in sub-surface mineral levels (p=0.05). Results: All three preventive applications were found to be effective after 15 days pH cycling (p<0.05). The change in chemical compositions among the preventive applications were not statistically significant (p>0.05). SEM examinations supported the chemical analysis results. Conclusion: The preventing capability of resin-infiltration-technique on occlusal fissures was comparable with conventional topical fluorid and fissure sealant applications.