Laser versus LED polymerization: Comparison of in vitro preventive sealing procedures

Introduction: The technique of sealing is a widely accepted procedure for prevention of caries. The aim of our in vitro study was to compare the effect of two different curing units (traditional LED source and innovative laser diode lamp) on the integrity of fissure sealant material and its interface with tooth enamel. Materials and methods: Sixty healthy third molars were randomly assigned to two groups. In group A were teeth intended for polymerization by LED B lamp, and group B comprised teeth to be polymerized by an innovative laser diode. Both groups were treated with the traditional sealing technique, subjected to a metallization process, and analyzed by scanning electron microscope. Results: Micro-gaps between the sealant and the enamel were found in specimens in both A (43%) and B (40%) groups (p=0.793), and sealant shrinkage was seen. Significant differences between the groups emerged in the percentage of perimetric micro-erosion sites (80% vs. 100%, p=0.010) and the presence of holes and micro-bubbles on the sealant surface (21% vs. 63%, p=0.001). Conclusions: Although macroscopic clinical polymerization occurred with both instruments, the microscopic evaluation showed significant differences between the studied groups in terms of perimetric micro-erosion sites and micro-bubbles, which were higher in laser-cured samples.