Surface treatment studies aimed at streamlining fissure sealant application

Abstract

Three laboratory studies were carried out with the aim of improving or streamlining enamel surface treatment procedures in fissure sealing. In Study 1, the effect of reducing acid etch time from 60 s to 10 s was assessed by SEM and tensile bond strength measurements. Reduction in etch time produced a finer etch pattern, gave a reduced but still high, bond-strength, albeit with slightly poorer long-term adhesion. Study 2 showed that a conventional acid etch treatment could completely remove acquired pellicle, without prior prophylaxis. SEM studies and bond-strength measurements corroborated this view. In Study 3, compressed air and chemical drying agents were compared for drying speed and efficiency. Compressed air gave more rapid, thorough drying, and greater resultant bond strengths.