Abstract
For the purpose of evaluating the characteristics of a pit and fissure sealant called Teethmate (Kuraray Co. ), we examined the polymerizing time, the flow and the weight of the drop from bottle and compared these characteristics of Teethmate with those of White Sealant and Delton. Also, in order to discover the influence of Teethmate on the oral mucosa and gingiva as well as the state of the retention on the pit and fissure, we conducted a one month clinical test and observation on 19 patients who visited the clinic of the Osaka Dental University, Department of pedodontics. A total of 39 upper and lower permanent molars were examined and the following results were obtained.
1. Concerning the flow of the resin, Delton revealed the best results with Teethmate showing a level of flow between those of Delton and White Sealant. It was assumed that the difference in the flow was based on the viscosity level of the resin.
2. The polymerizing time was the same for all three types. Compared with the 60seconds polymerizing starting time of Delton, White Sealant showed a somewhat faster tendency and Teethmate showed a somewhat slower tendency.
3. As for the weight of the drop from the bottle, that of Teethmate was the same as that of Delton. However, with White Sealant the weight of the universal liquid tended to be greater while conversely with Teethmate the weight of the catalyst tended to be larger.
4. The results of one month of clinical observation showed that there were absolutely no harmful effects on the oral mucosa, gingiva or pulp.
5. Among the 39 Upper and lower permanent molars which were sealed, complete retention was achieved in 33 cases, while loss of sealing occured in 4 cases at the buccal groove and marginal fracture occured in 2 cases. The ratio of complete retention was 85%. The ratio of complete retention when considering only occlusal pit and fissure was 95%.
Based on the above findings, the pit and fissure sealant Teethmate was felt to be sufficiently effective as a sealing material for clinical use. Also, as the working time is comparatively long, and the polymerizing time is short, together with the fact that the coloring is a transparant light rose color, the sealing procedure and examination can be easilyconducted.
