Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess microleakage at sealant/enamel interface after treatment of primary teeth occlusal surfaces with 3 etching techniques.
Methods: Thirty sound primary molars were randomly assigned to 3 groups (N = 10): (1) group I = acid etching for 30 seconds; (2) group II = Er:YAG laser (120 mJ; 4 Hz) plus acid-etching; and (3) group III = Er:YAG laser (120 mJ; 4 Hz). Pits and fissures were sealed with a resin-based sealant (Fluroshield, Dentsply/Caulk). Teeth were isolated, thermocycled, immersed in a 0.2% rhodamine B solution for 24 hours, and serially sectioned. Cuts were analyzed for leakage using an optical microscope connected to a video camera. The images were digitized, and a specific software (Axion Vision) assessed microleakage quantitatively (millimeters). The sealant extension on buccal/lingual cusp heights was measured separately, and the percentage of dye penetration along enamel/sealant interface, in relation to the sealant extension, was calculated. Means of dye penetration were: (1) group I = 2%(+/- 3.75); (2) group II = 2%(+/- 3.38); and (3) group III = 4%(+/- 6.26). Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test.
Results: A statistically significant difference (P < .05) was observed between the nonetched lased specimens (group III) and those in the other groups. No significant difference (P >.05) was found between the acid-etched and lased/acid-etched groups (I and II). Fissures prepared with Er:YAG laser alone showed the highest degree of microleakage. All specimens exhibted some degree of leakage.
Conclusions: Laser irradiation did not eliminate the need for acid etching enamel prior to the placement of a pit-and-fissure sealant. The ablation of pits and fissures with an Er:YAG laser device did not yield significantly better marginal sealing at primary enamel/sealant interface, compared to conventional acid etching.