In vitro performance of ultrasound enamel preparation compared with classical bur preparation on pit and fissure sealing

Fissure sealants are effective in preventing caries. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of two different enamel surface preparation techniques for pit and fissure sealing. Sixty extracted sound third molars were used. For each tooth, the mesial half of the occlusal fissures was treated with ultrasound diamond tip T1 mounted on an ultrasonic handpiece, while the distal half with conventional diamond bur. The teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 30/each). Group 1 samples were stored in distilled water at 4 °C. For group 2 samples, sealing of occlusal fissures was performed according to standard procedures. Bucco-lingual cuts parallel to the long axis of the tooth were made in order to separate the two different types of preparations. The effects of the executed procedures were assessed with SEM. Surfaces prepared with ultrasound system showed the presence of residual debris and appeared more irregular than surfaces prepared with traditional bur system. Furthermore, images showed the presence of cracks on the bottom and on the walls of the ultrasound prepared fissures. Conventional bur surface treatment showed a better performance when compared to ultrasound preparation and could probably ensure superior sealant retention.