Comparison of novel bioactive nanosilver-reinforced sealant with three bioactive materials as pit and fissure sealants: an in vitro study.

CONTEXT: Pit and fissure caries remain a major challenge in preventive dentistry, necessitating the development of advanced bioactive sealants with enhanced properties.

AIM: To compare and evaluate the microleakage scores, resin-tag penetration, and remineralizing potential of nanosilver-reinforced (AgNP) sealant with three bioactive materials as sealants.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: 68 extracted permanent molars were randomly divided into four groups (n = 17), Group I: Kids-e-Dental e-Pit & Fissure Sealant, Group II: Shofu BeautiSealant, Group III: Pulpdent ACTIVA™ Bioactive, and Group IV: Ivoclar Vivadent Cention® N and occlusal fissures were sealed. After undergoing thermocycling, 14 teeth per group were sectioned bucco-lingually. One half of the section was analyzed for microleakage using stereomicroscope and the other was analyzed for resin-tag depth using SEM. Three teeth per group were subjected to EDX analysis at baseline and following 7-day pH-cycling. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test to compare microleakage scores, one-way ANOVA test for resin-tag depth and variation in mineral content from baseline to post-pH-cycling using paired sample t test.

RESULTS

Microleakage scores were found to be statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) across groups. A difference in resin-tag depth was statistically significant with group I exhibiting the highest mean resin-tag length and Group IV showing the lowest. All four groups showed variations in Ca, P, O, and F ion concentrations from baseline to post-pH-cycling, with Group I showing a statistically significant increase in fluoride ion concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

AgNP-reinforced sealant exhibits competitive performance relative to other bioactive sealants, with respect to resin-tag depth and fluoride ion exchange-both essential for sustained caries prevention.