Clinical Research Associates
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The following information supplements the August 2001 CRA Newsletter article on sealants. INDEX 2. Cure Time 3. Viscosity 4. Comparison Chart of 11 Sealant Brands
Fluoride release was assayed to compare it to other sealants. Fluoridated & nonfluoridated water were used as controls. Sealant samples 8 mm high by 5 mm in diameter are made, then placed in 10 ml of deionized water and incubated at 37C. Each week the water was replaced, & the old water assayed for fluoride level. Testing continued as long as the fluoride level remained higher than the levels in the nonfluoridated water control (0.16 ppm). |
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The 4 sealants tested released relatively low levels of fluoride. After only 1 month their assayed levels fell below the level of fluoridated water. By 6 months fluoride levels were comparable to nonfluoridated water. The clinical significance of such low level & short term release is unknown, but it's highly unlikely to be significantly beneficial. Higher fluoride releasing materials, such as glass ionomers, do not have sufficient retention to be used as sealants. |
