RECHARGEABILITY OF FLUORIDE-RELEASING PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS AND RESTORATIVE RESIN COMPOSITES

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of exposure of 1.23% acidulated phosph ate fluoride gel on fluoride release from fluoride releasing pit and f issure sealants and restorative resin composites. Materials and Method s: Specimens of four fluoride releasing pit and fissure sealants (Heli oseal F, Ultraseal XT, Seal Rite-Low Viscosity and Seal Rite-Regular V iscosity) and two fluoride releasing restorative resin composites (Tet ric and Heliomolar Radiopaque) were prepared using a Teflon mold. The specimens were divided into two groups. The experimental group was exp osed to 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel and the control group was exposed to 1.23% acidulated phosphate gel without fluoride. The sp ecimens were stored in deionized water and the fluoride concentration of the solution was measured every 24 hours. On day 7, the discs were exposed to the respective gel for 4 minutes and then rinsed in a conti nuous stream of deionized water for 30 seconds. The fluoride concentra tion was then measured for another 7 days. Results: There was a signif icant increase after the fluoride gel treatment in the amount of fluor ide released from all of the materials studied. When the cumulative am ount of fluoride released was evaluated, Tetric, Heliomolar radiopaque , Helioseal F, and Ultraseal XT released significantly (P < 0.01) more fluoride than the respective control groups. There was no significant difference between groups from day 8 to day 14 for Seal Rite-Regular Viscosity and Seal Rite-Low Viscosity.