Adhesive interface and bond strength of endodontic sealers to root canal dentine after immersion in phosphate-buffered saline

This study evaluated the bond strength (BS) and the adhesive interface of four endodontic sealers to root canal dentine, before, and after immersion in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to simulate an in vivo environment. Eighty roots were instrumented using ProTaper rotatory files, under irrigation with 17% EDTA and 1% NaOCl. Posteriorly were divided into four groups (n = 20) according to the sealer used: Endofill, AH Plus, Sealapex, and MTA Fillapex. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 10) and stored at 37°C immersed in water for 7 days and in PBS for 60 days. From each subgroup, 1 mm thick sections were obtained. One section of each region (coronal, middle, and apical) was submitted to the push-out test and failures were observed. Twelve sections of each subgroup (four from each region) were evaluated under SEM. Three-way ANOVA evaluation for BS showed significant differences between groups and regions (P < 0.0001), but not between subgroups (P > 0.05). AH Plus had significantly higher BS than the others sealers, regardless of the analyzed subgroup (Tukey's test, P < 0.5). The most common failures were adhesive to dentine and cohesive of the sealer. The SEM evaluation (Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney) showed homogeneous adhesive interface formed and sealer tags in all groups with significant statistical differences with AH Plus, regardless of PBS immersion. AH Plus was superior to the other sealers for both BS and quality of interface formation. Immersion in PBS did not interfere on BS or adhesive interface of the sealers tested.

Dental sealants and restorations and urinary bisphenol A concentrations in children in the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND

Resin-based dental sealants and composites contain bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate, a bisphenol A (BPA) derivative. The authors hypothesized that a greater number of sealants or restorations would be associated with higher urinary BPA concentrations.

METHODS

The authors examined urinary BPA measurements (in nanograms per milliliter) and oral examination data for 1,001 children aged 6 to 19 years from data sets of the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). They categorized children according to number of occlusal sealants and number of restorations, with four categories in each of the two groups. They estimated associations by using unadjusted and adjusted tobit regression models.

RESULTS

The lowest quartile of BPA concentrations ranged from 0.3 ng/mL to 1.9 ng/mL, whereas the highest quartile ranged from 7.3 ng/mL to 149 ng/mL. In adjusted analysis, children with seven to 16 sealants had geometric mean BPA concentrations 25 percent higher than those of children with no sealants (95 percent confidence interval [CI], -14 percent to 82 percent; P = .23). In adjusted analysis, children with seven to 42 restorations had geometric mean BPA concentrations 20 percent higher than those of children with no restorations (95 percent CI, -6 percent to 53 percent; P = .13). Neither of these adjusted estimates was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Though the findings were in the direction hypothesized, the authors did not observe a statistically significant association between a greater number of sealants or restorations and higher urinary BPA concentrations. Additional studies are needed to determine the extent of oral and systemic exposure to BPA from resin-based dental restorative materials over time.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Dentists should follow this issue carefully as it develops and as the body of evidence grows. There is insufficient evidence to change practice at this time.

Resistance against bacterial leakage of four luting agents used for cementation of complete cast crowns

PURPOSE

To assess the sealing properties of four luting materials used for cementation of full cast crowns.

METHODS

40 human premolars were prepared with a chamfer finish line. Stone dies were fabricated and copings were waxed, invested and cast in gold. Ten samples (n = 10) were randomly assigned to four groups. In two groups, resin modified glass-ionomer cements were used, ACTIVA BioACTIVE-CEMENT/BASE/LINER and FujiCem2; the third group received the self-adhesive resin cement Embrace WetBond, while the fourth group served as control with a zinc phosphate cement. After cementation, excess cement was removed followed by bench-set for 10 minutes. All samples were stored in water at 37 degrees C and subjected to thermal cycling (x2000 between 5 and 55 degrees C). Subsequently the occlusal surface was reduced exposing the dentin. After sterilization the specimens were subjected to bacterial microleakage with E. faecalis in a dual chamber apparatus for a period of 60 days. Bacterial leakage was checked daily. Data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meyer survival test. Significant pairwise differences were analyzed using the Log Rank test and the Fishers' exact test at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

ACTIVA BioACTIVE-CEMENT/BASE/LINER, FujiCem2 and Embrace WetBond showed the lowest microleakage scores and differed statistically significantly (P < 0.05) from zinc phosphate cement.

Near-infrared imaging of demineralization under sealants

Previous studies have shown that near-infrared (NIR) reflectance and transillumination imaging can be used to acquire high contrast images of early caries lesions and composite restorative materials. The aim of the study was to determine the optimum NIR wavelengths for imaging demineralized areas under dental sealants. Fifteen natural human premolars and molars with occlusal lesions were used in this in vitro study. Images before and after application of sealants were acquired using NIR reflectance and NIR transillumination at wavelengths of 1300, 1460, and 1500 to 1700 nm. Images were also acquired using polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) for comparison. The highest contrast for NIR reflectance was at 1460 nm and 1500 to 1700 nm. These NIR wavelengths are coincident with higher water absorption. The clear Delton sealant investigated was not visible in either copolarization or cross-polarization OCT images. The wavelength region between 1500 and 1700 nm yielded the highest contrast of lesions under sealants for NIR reflectance measurements.

In vitro comparison of the bond strength to the enamel of conventional and self-etching dental fissure sealants

AIM

Dental caries in pits and fissures of molars is still very common in young people, despite a gradual reduction in their incidence and prevalence. Prevention with the aid of dental fissure sealants can help to reduce the onset of decay. In vitro tests were conducted to compare the bond strength to enamel of self-etching sealants versus those applied using the conventional procedure.

METHODS

The lingual surface of 40 extracted, caries-free, mandibular third molars was milled to make them flat. The prepared teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 20 teeth each: those in Group A were treated with Clinpro (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA); those in Group B with Quick Seal (BJM Laboratories Ltd, Or-Yehuda, Israel). Cylinders of sealant were attached to the enamel of the flat surfaces of the samples using a polymerisation process treating the surfaces involved according to the type of material. All samples underwent load testing by means of a universal test machine.

RESULTS

The results of the load testing, measured in MPa, were analysed using the Student's t-test for independent samples and the differences proved significant, indicating that the traditionally- applied sealant (mean strength 21.06 MPa) assured a significantly stronger bond (p <.05) than the self-etching sealant (mean strength 10.43 MPa) under our experimental conditions. CONCLUSION Conventional sealants generally provide a considerably higher bond strength than self-etching sealants.

A comparative evaluation of shear bond strength of different pits and fissure sealants: an in vitro study

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the shear bond strength of three different pits and fssure sealants to enamel namely, Delton, Clinpro and Z350 Filtek fowable composite.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety permanent molars were divided into three groups of 30 each. Their proximal surfaces were prepared and stored in 37°C ± 5°C normal saline for 24 hours. Sealant buttons were prepared. The specimens were tested in a shear mode (Lloyds LR100K) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The mean and standard deviations were subjected to an analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The mean shear bond strength of samples of Delton was 10.33 MPa; Clinpro was 8.51 MPa and Z350 Filtek fowable was 12.17 MPa. The mean strength of Delton was signifcantly higher as compared to Clinpro whereas the mean strength of Z350 Filtek was signifcantly higher as compared to Delton and Clinpro (Student t-test, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Z350 Filtek fowable composite had maximum shear bond strength than Delton FS sealant followed by Clinpro sealant. Clinical signifcance: In this study, we compare the bond strength of three pits and fssure sealant, Clinpro yielded lower bond strength than Delton. This outcome can be described due to the presence of fllers in Delton, since these particles increase the resistance of the material to abrasion and also increase the mechanical resistance of the material.

Microleakage of two fluoride-releasing sealants when applied following saliva contamination

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate microleakage of two fluoride-releasing sealants in saliva contaminated and non-contaminated conditions. Twenty-four human third molars were randomly assigned to two groups: saliva contaminated and saliva non-contaminated teeth. In the contaminated group, the teeth were contaminated with 0.02 ml artificial saliva for 20 seconds and blowed dry afterward. Each group was divided into two subgroups: Group A, a fluoride-releasing resin sealant marketed as Clinpro and Group B, a glass-ionomer sealant marketed as Fuji VII. After sealant application, all the teeth were thermocycled for 2,000 cycles and coated with nail varnish 1.0 mm from the sealed areas. The teeth were stained with 2% methylene blue dye for 24 hours and sectioned in the bucco-lingual direction. Dye penetration (microleakage) was examined with a 25x polarized light microscope and measured by a computerized-calculated method. Data were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test at significance level of p<0.05. A comparison of the two types of sealant revealed microleakage of the glass-ionomer sealant was present but there was no significant difference between the saliva contaminated and saliva non-contaminated teeth. Microleakage of the fluoride-releasing resin sealant was present and was greater among the saliva-contaminated teeth than the saliva non-contaminated teeth. The glass-ionomer sealant had significantly greater microleakage than the fluoride-relasing resin-based sealant in both the saliva-contaminated and saliva non-contaminated teeth.

Biochemical and microbiological characteristics of in situ biofilm formed on materials containing fluoride or amorphous calcium phosphate

PURPOSE

To evaluate the biochemical and microbiological characteristics of in situ biofilm formed on materials that release fluoride (F-) or calcium (Ca++) and phosphate (Pi).

METHODS

This study comprised an in situ and in vitro experiment, utilizing three materials [Auralay XF and Fuji IX GP, containing fluoride, and Aegis containing amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)] and bovine dental enamel slabs. For the in situ: 10 volunteers wore palatal devices, each containing four material specimens or enamel slabs that were treated with 20% sucrose solution. The biofilm had pH measurements on Day 7 and the composition was analyzed on Day 8 by assessing the following: F-, Ca++, Pi and insoluble extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) concentrations, and then identification of the microbiota. For the in vitro: materials/enamel were subjected to a 7-day pH-cycling regimen to determine F, Ca++ and Pi release.

RESULTS

The biofilm formed on F(-)-releasing materials was richer in F, Ca++ and Pi and had lower mutans streptococci counts than enamel biofilm. The biofilm on the ACP-containing material exhibited similar Ca++ and Pi concentrations to biofilm on F(-)-releasing materials. The materials showed buffering action compared with enamel. Biochemical and microbiological characteristics showed a less cariogenic biofilm on materials containing fluoride or amorphous calcium phosphate.

Effectiveness of a self-etching adhesive on sealant retention in primary teeth

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to conduct a clinical evaluation of fissure sealant retention in primary teeth using self-etching adhesive Adper Prompt L-Pop or a conventional phosphoric acid-etching technique.

METHODS

A total of 90 primary second molars indicated for sealants were selected from 45 healthy 4- to 6-year-olds. A randomized, split-mouth design was applied using bilateral primary second molars. Sealant retention was evaluated, using the Color Coverage Caries sealant evaluation system, and blindly checked by the same examiner at six and 12 months.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the retention of sealant using self-etching adhesives vs the conventional acid-etching technique. Statistically significant lower retention rates were found with both techniques after evaluating at 12 months vs six months.

CONCLUSIONS

Replacing phosphoric acid-etching with self-etching adhesive Adper Prompt L-Pop does not compromise sealant retention in primary teeth after a 1-year period.

Biology and cytotoxicity of dental materials: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the experiment was to determine the degree of biocompatibility of a sealer (RO, laboratory made product) dental material in terms of cytotoxicity and animal tests.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, the biological compatibility of eight experimental composite materials was examined by in vitro methods. The bio-composites used for the cytotoxicity test were placed into direct contact with normal human fibroblasts in a cell-culture dish. After fibroblast bioassay was performed, a duplicate sample of biomaterial was placed in each well, and then the fibroblasts were incubated for 48 hours at 37°C and 5% carbon dioxide. Local reactions after the implantation of the material regarding preclinical evaluation have been carried out within the Biobase Laboratory of the "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The biocompatibility was studied using the tolerance test by the subcutaneous and intramuscular implantation of the cured specimens.

RESULTS

The sealant C3 scored the highest value to the cell viability. The results of the present study showed that different dental materials had different effects on cells. The resin monomer TEGDMA, present in the sealer's composition, increased the amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Resin-based composites are cytotoxic before polymerization and immediately thereafter, whereas already set specimens cause almost no reaction. The test of tolerance showed that the composite materials do not contain any toxic, irritant substances or destructive ones for the living cells or tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

The tests with experimental composite materials revealed that they are not cytotoxic for the living cells, in all versions of the materials used. All the samples of composite materials have maintained their integrity during the experiment, allowing the testing together with the embedded cells, which proved good viability, so they are suitable for dentistry use.

Microbial microleakage assessment of a new hydrophilic fissure sealant: a laboratory study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare microbial leakage of a new hydrophilic sealant with that of a conventional hydrophobic resin-based sealant.

METHODS

One hundred extracted, caries-free, human maxillary premolars were randomly divided into five groups. Those in Groups 1, 2, and 3 had dry, wet, and artificial saliva-contaminated occlusal surfaces, respectively, and were sealed with a hydrophilic sealant, while those in Groups 4 and 5 had dry and wet occlusal surfaces, respectively, and were sealed with a hydrophobic sealant. A newly designed microbial penetration method utilizing Streptococcus mutans as an indicator was tested for leakage assessment. Data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 software, and the significance level was set at α=0.05.

RESULTS

The log rank test indicated a statistically significant difference in leakage rates among the five groups. Mantel-Cox log-rank test findings showed that Group 3 had the highest leakage rate, with Groups 2 and 4 having the lowest. There was no statistically significant difference in leakage rate between Groups 2 and 4.

CONCLUSIONS

With respect to the limitations of an in vitro study, our findings suggest that hydrophilic sealants are an acceptable alternative to hydrophobic sealants.

Formulation and characterization of antibacterial fluoride-releasing sealants

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to formulate and characterize experimental antibacterial fluoride-releasing sealants and compare them with commercial sealants for fluoride release, recharge, adhesion, and microleakage.

METHODS

Two experimental sealants (Exp-1, Exp-2) containing a synthesized antibacterial fluoride-releasing monomer and fluoride-releasing filler were formulated. Exp-2 also contained NovaMin nanoparticles. Commercial sealants Clinpro (CL) FluroShield (FS), and SeLECT Defense (E34) were also included. Fluoride release from disk samples in deionized water was measured daily using an ion-selective electrode for 14 days, and after recharging with Neutra-Foam (2.0% sodium fluoride), fluoride was measured for 5 days. Microtensile bonding strengths (MTBS) to enamel were tested after 24-hour storage in water at 37°C or thermocycling 5-55°C for 1,000 cycles. A microleakage test was conducted on extracted teeth using a dye-penetration method. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance with the Tukey's honestly significant difference test and Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

Exp-1 and Exp-2 had significantly higher fluoride release and recharge capabilities than CL and FL (P<.05). All tested sealants had similar MTBS before and after thermocycling. Exp-2 and Exp-1 had significantly lower microleakage scores (P<.05) than other groups.

CONCLUSION

The experimental sealants had higher fluoride release and recharge capabilities and similar or better retention than commercial sealants.

What every dentist should know about bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common industrial chemical that has been associated with a variety of biological disorders. From the unborn to the elderly, BPA affects every demographic of the population; however, its potential long-term effects on prenatal and prepubescent development have led to concern about its use in the field of pediatrics. Because BPA is omnipresent in modern society, the use of BPA derivatives (such as Bis-GMA and Bis-DMA) in dental materials in general, and acrylic resins in particular, will be increasingly examined as research continues to implicate BPA in a number of biological disorders.

Salivary bisphenol-A levels due to dental sealant/resin: a case-control study in Korean children

Dental sealants and composite filling materials containing bisphenol-A (BPA) derivatives are increasingly used in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between salivary BPA and the number of tooth surfaces filled with dental sealant, and to determine a cutoff BPA level. Salivary BPA concentration and the number of tooth surfaces filled with dental sealant/resin were determined in 124 age and gender matched children: 62 controls had no dental sealant/resin on their tooth surfaces and 62 cases had more than 4 tooth surfaces with dental sealant/resin. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and conditional logistic regression were performed after controlling for age, gender, salivary flow rate, salivary buffer capacity, frequency of snacking, and frequency of tooth brushing. Salivary BPA levels were 0.002 to 8.305 µg/L. The BPA level of control (0.40 µg/L) was significantly lower than that of case (0.92 µg/L) after controlling for confounders (P = 0.026). Although the 90th BPA percentile had an adjusted OR of 4.58 (95% CI 1.04-20.26, P = 0.045), the significance disappeared in the conditional logistic model. There may be a relationship between salivary BPA level and dental sealant/resin.

Comparison of retention rates of fissure sealants using two flowable restorative materials and a conventional resin sealant: two-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this clinical study was to compare the retention rates of two flowable restorative systems (Admira Flow and Grandio Flow) with that of a conventional resin-based sealant (Fissurit F).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was planned as a clinical trial with a split-mouth design. A total of 122 sealants (38 Admira Flow, 41 Grandio Flow, 43 Fissurit F) were randomly applied to completely erupted permanent molars in 35 patients aged 9-20 years and followed up for 24 months. Data were analyzed using Pearson's χ(2) and multiple comparison tests.

RESULTS

At the end of the follow-up period, Fissurit F had higher retention rates (81.0%) than both Admira Flow (60.5%) and Grandio Flow (57.1%), with p < 0.05. However, there was no significant difference in caries development among groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The two flowable composite resin materials used as fissure sealant were less retentive than the conventional resin sealant.

Influence of the light curing tip distance and material opacity on selected physical properties of a pit and fissure sealant

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the light curing tip distance and material opacity on hardness (KHN), degree of conversion (DC), and crosslink density (CLD) of a resin-based fissure sealant (Fluroshield).

METHODS

One-millimeter-thick white opaque and clear sealant specimens, photoactivated at 1-, 2-, and 3-mm distances, were fabricated (8 groups, N=5). KHN and DC were evaluated 24 hours after polymerization. Specimens were subjected to a new KHN reading after 24-hour immersion in absolute ethanol to indirectly assess the CLD.

RESULTS

Samples of clear sealant cured at longer distances presented lower KHN, although there were not differences between opacities at all distances. The mean DC of the opaque white material, however, was lower than that of the clear one at higher distances. There were no differences among CLD for all experimental conditions analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS

KHN of the clear sealant was affected by increased distances. The clear sealant showed higher DC at increased distances, although CLD was not influenced by the factors under study. Since physical properties of sealing materials are directly related to their clinical efficacy, the clear sealant tested may present a better clinical performance than the opaque one.

Effectiveness of a five-step method for teaching clinical skills to students in a dental college in India

This study conducted at the PDM Dental College and Research Institute, Haryana, India, had the purpose of developing a teaching method based upon a five-step method for teaching clinical skills to students proposed by the American College of Surgeons. This five-step teaching method was used to place fissure sealants as an initial procedure by dental students in clinics. The sealant retention was used as an objective evaluation of the skill learnt by the students. The sealant retention was 92 percent at six- and twelve-month evaluations and 90 percent at the eighteen-month evaluation. These results indicate that simple methods can be devised for teaching clinical skills and achieve high success rates in clinical procedures requiring multiple steps.

Microleakage of self-etching sealant on noncontaminated and saliva-contaminated enamel

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the microleakage of a self-etching sealant with a traditional phosphoric acid-etched sealant under noncontaminated and saliva-contaminated conditions.

METHODS

Fifty-two sound extracted human molars were randomly divided into 4 groups (N=13). Teeth in Groups 1 and 2 were cleaned with pumice, etched with phosphoric acid, rinsed, coated with a drying agent, placed with sealants (UltraSeal XT Plus), and light cured. Teeth in Groups 3 and 4 were cleaned with a proprietary flour pumice and rinsed prior to being sealed with a self-etching sealant (Enamel Loc). Teeth in Groups 2 and 4 were contaminated with saliva and thoroughly air-dried prior to the sealant placement. All teeth were subjected to a thermocycling process, stained with silver nitrate, and sectioned, and images of the sealant on the occlusal surface were recorded. Microleakage distance was measured in millimeters and subjected to a 2-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Significantly larger microleakage distances were found for the self-etching sealant vs the traditional sealant (P<.001). Saliva contamination did not significantly affect the microleakage distance (P<.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Under the conditions used in this in vitro study, the self-etching sealant, regardless of contamination condition, had extensive microleakage distances vs. little microleakage in the traditional phosphoric acid-etched sealant.

Microleakage of silorane- and methacrylate-based class V composite restorations

The marginal integrity of class V restorations in a silorane- and a group of methacrylate-based composite resins with varying viscosities was tested in the present study. Different adhesives (OptiBond FL, KerrHawe; AdheSE One, Vivadent; or Silorane System Adhesive, 3M ESPE) were applied to 168 standardized class V cavities. The cavities (n = 12) were filled with a wide range of different viscous composite resins: Filtek Silorane, 3M ESPE; els and els flow, Saremco; Tetric EvoCeram and Tetric EvoFlow, Vivadent; Grandio, Voco; and Ultraseal XT Plus, Ultradent. Microleakage of the restoration was assessed by dye penetration (silver staining) on multiple sections with and without thermocycling and mechanical loading (TCML: 5,000 × 5-55°C; 30 s/cycle; 500,000 × 72.5 N, 1.6 Hz). Data were statistically analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test and the Error Rates Method (ERM). The silorane-based composite resin yielded the lowest dye penetration after TCML. Microleakage of methacrylate-based composite restorations, in general (ERM), was statistically significantly influenced by the adhesive system, Moreover, dye penetration at enamel margins was significantly lower than dye penetration at dentin margins. The chemical basis of composite resins and adjacent tooth substance seems to strongly influence marginal sealing of class V restorations for methacrylate-based materials. Moreover, the steps of dental adhesives used affected marginal integrity. The silorane-based composite resin evaluated in the present study exhibits the best marginal seal. The three-step adhesive yielded better marginal sealing than the one-step adhesive for methacrylate-based class V composite restorations.

Effect of light curing methods on microleakage and microhardness of different resin sealants

PURPOSE

This study's purpose was to evaluate the effect of light curing methods on the microleakage and microhardness of sealants.

METHODS

The Elipar Free Light 2 light emitting diode (LED) with 10- and 20-second curing times, and the Elipar 2500 halogen light with a 20-second curing time were compared. Four different sealants were used: (1) Delton Clear; (2) Delton Opaque; (3) UltraSeal XT Clear; and (4) UltraSeal XT Opaque. Specimens were fabricated in a silicone mold (2-mm thick) and cured. Knoop hardness was measured at the bottom and top surfaces. For the microleakage evaluation, 120 human molars were divided into 12 groups and sealed with the sealants and curing methods, as stated previously. The teeth were thermocycled and immersed in 2% methylene blue for 24 hours. Each tooth was sectioned and examined for dye penetration.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the microleakage of sealants polymerized by either the halogen or LED curing methods. The microhardness of sealants varied according to the type of material and curing method.

CONCLUSIONS

A 10-second polymerization time with light emitting diodes was not sufficient to cure the 2-mm-thick opaque or high filler loaded sealants. Decreasing the curing time, however, had no effect on the microleakage of the sealants.

Advances in dental materials

The use of materials to rehabilitate tooth structures is constantly changing. Over the past decade, newer material processing techniques and technologies have significantly improved the dependability and predictability of dental material for clinicians. The greatest obstacle, however, is in choosing the right combination for continued success. Finding predictable approaches for successful restorative procedures has been the goal of clinical and material scientists. This article provides a broad perspective on the advances made in various classes of dental restorative materials in terms of their functionality with respect to pit and fissure sealants, glass ionomers, and dental composites.