Effect of Saliva Contamination on the Sealing Properties of Glass Ionomer Sealants Placed Over Er,Cr:YSGG Laser-Etched Fissures

Abstract

Aim This study investigated the effect of laser pretreatment in reducing the microleakage of conventional (GIC) and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC) sealants on saliva-contaminated enamel.

Materials and methods Study Design: 80 extracted non-carious third molars were randomly assigned to two groups (n=40/each): Group A enamel pretreatment with erbium, chromium:yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser; and Group B no pretreatment. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n=20/each) based on presence/absence of saliva contamination following laser pretreatment. In subgroups: fissures were sealed with GIC (n=10) or RMGIC (n=10). Microleakage was evaluated quantitatively using an image analysis toolkit (Image]), and the data were statistically analysed.

Results In the absence of laser pretreatment, the GIC sealant demonstrated significantly lower microleakage values than RMGIC counterparts on both uncontaminated and saliva-contaminated enamel (p<0.001, Mann-Whitney U test).

Conclusion Among the tested combinations, GIC sealant with Er,Cr:YSGG pretreatment may be the best approach for sealing pits and fissures, when saliva contamination is inevitable before sealant application.