Influence of light-curing mode on the erosion preventive effect of three different resin-based surface sealants

Objectives. To investigate if reducing the light-curing time (while maintaining similar energy density) of resin-based surface sealants influences their erosion-preventive potential and mechanical stability after thermomechanical loading. Methods. Dentine samples were treated as follows: group 1-untreated, groups 2-4-Seal&Protect, groups 5-7-experimental sealer, and groups 8-10-Syntac Classic system. Groups 2, 5 and 8 were light-cured for 10 s (1000 mW/cm(2)), groups 3, 6 and 9 for 7 s (1400 mW/cm(2)), and groups 4, 7, and 10 for 3 s (3200 mW/cm(2)). After water storage (7 d), first measurement was performed to evaluate baseline permeability of the sealants. After a thermomechanical loading (5000 cycles, 50/5°C, 12000 brushing strokes) a second evaluation of permeability was conducted (measurement 2). Permeability was tested by storing the samples in HCl (pH 2.3; 24 h) and measuring the dentine calcium release by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results. For the first and second measurements, no influence of light-exposure time on permeability was observed (ANOVA: P > 0.05). No significant difference in the stability of the respective sealants was observed when light-cured for different durations. Conclusion. Shortening the light-curing time, while maintaining energy density constant, has no influence on permeability and stability of the investigated sealants.