Abstract
Various procedures have been proposed to treat incipient caries in the pits and fissures of immature permanent teeth. In this study, we reduced the pits and fissures using diamond fixed scratch points, and examined the effectiveness of this technique prior to clinical application. Firstly, extracted teeth were prepared by reducing the pits and fissures with diamond fixed scratch points. The teeth were observed under a scanning electron microscope before and after the etching process to examine the reduction and the cleanliness of the exposed surfaces as well as the condition of the etched surfaces. Component analysis of the surfaces was performed using an X-ray microanalyser. After fissure sealant was applied to the cavity, the teeth were observed under a stereoscopic microscope to examine the condition of the sealant application and a cold-hot thermal cycling load test was performed to investigate the occurrence of microleakage.
The results obtained were as follows:
1) Under a scanning electron microscope, enamel tags were clearly observed on the gingival surfaces following the reduction and etching process. These enamel tags showed a honey-comb appearance.
2) The scanning electron microscope revealed a spit-like cutting pattern and the absence of organic remnants.
3) Component analysis using an X-ray microanalyser showed marked components proper to the tooth substance bat no organic remnants.
4) The area from the fissure orifice to its base was filled with the sealant.
5) There was no microleakage between the tooth surface and the sealant 1 month after thermal cycling.
6) Cutting of primary caries in the fissure could be minimized.
