Comparison of abrasion, roughness and microhardness values ​​of fissure sealants with different content after aging procedure

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the aging effects on wear, surface roughness and microhardness of fissure sealants with different contents. Methods: Four types of fissure sealants were used in the study: Aegis (Bosworth, USA)(Group A), Beautisealant (Shofu,Japan) (Group B), Clinpro (3M,USA)(Group C) and Ultraseal XT/Hydro (Ultradent,USA)(Group U). 100 disc-shaped specimens (5 mm diameter/3 mm width) prepared according to manufacturers' directions were assigned to microhardness/VHN, surface roughness, and wear tests. As aging procedures, thermalcycling (10,000 times/5°-55°C±2ºC/20 s) and chewing simulator (75,000 times/49N) were applied. Measurements were taken before and after aging procedures; and specimens were evaluated by SEM.Data was analyzed statistically by Kruskal Wallis, Wilcoxon and Welch tests. Results: The highest and lowest changes in mean microhardness values were obtained in Group U (9,88±1,46) and in Group A (4,40±0,46); and a significant difference (p<0.001) was found between the mean changes in microhardness values (U>B>C>A). No significant difference between median roughness values was determined; the highest mean differences in surface roughness were observed in Groups U and C (U=C>A>B). Significant difference was found between the mean changes in wear/weight values (p<0.001); the highest and lowest mean weight loss were found in Group U (0,0097±0,0003 gr) and Group C (0,0041±0,0006 gr) (U>B>A>C). The highest physical changes after aging procedures were determined in Group U. Conclusion: It is concluded that aging procedures have affected the physical structures of all test materials with varying levels while Ultraseal XT/Hydro has been affected mostly; for selecting a fissure sealant material, the individual treatment needs and material properties should be considered. Key Words: fissure sealant, wear, microhardness, roughness, aging procedures