Histopathological Analysis of Sealant Infiltration in White Spot Enamel Lesions (WSEL)

Fresno, M. C.; Angel, P.; Espíndola, E. & Oyarzún, A.

Summary

The use of resin sealants has shown partial infiltration of White-Spot Enamel Lesions in vitro (WSEL). The aim of the present study was to perform a morphological evaluation of natural WSEL when infiltrated using a commercially available sealant (Concise, 3M- ESPE). 20 bicuspids extracted for orthodontic reasons from patients ranging 18 to 30 years old, which had WSEL, were used in this study. The patients agreed to donate their teeth by signing a written consent. Every WSEL was assessed microscopically (Stereo Zeiss Axiscop) and then photographed (ProScope HR microscope). Prior to applying the sealant the lesion was etched using phosphoric acid at 37 % (3M-ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA.) for 30 seconds, washed for 40 seconds and then air-dried. The sealant was marked with rhodamine B (1mg/ml) and was applied according to the manufacturer directions. A specimen of approximately 100 mm was obtained for every WSEL by cutting perpendicularly through the lesion (Isomet 1000, Buehler Co.) and grinding (600 grit). The specimens were evaluated using: clear camp, polarized light, and epifluorescence microscopy. Images were taken of each specimen for every microscopic evaluation using a slide film (Kodak Ektachrome film 400 ASA). The images were digitalized by scanning at 1200 dpi resolution (Epson Filmscan 200) and then saved as JPEG and TIFF files. The sealant infiltration into The WSEL was assessed by means of analysis, processing and digital superimposing using Adobe Photoshop 7.0 and Matrox Inspector 1.07. It was concluded that the sealant infiltrated the whole body zone of the lesion. The depth of penetration of sealants into White Spot Enamel Lesion plays an important role in the control of caries lesion progression.

KEYS WORDS: histopathological analysis, sealant, white-spot enamel lesion, microscopy.

How to cite this article

FRESNO, M. C.; ANGEL, P.; ESPÍNDOLA, E. & OYARZÚN, A. Histopathological analysis of sealant infiltration in white spot enamel lesions (WSEL). Int. J. Odontostomat., 12(4):376-381, 2018.