Superficial dye penetration of two conventional ionomers used as dental fissures sealants

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate surface dye penetration of two conventional glass ionomer cements (GIC), one of them a high viscous ionomer. Methods: 20 standard disk samples measuring 2 mm thick and 4 mm in diameter were made for each conventional GIC. The high viscous ionomer was used as the control (Group 1). Samples were embedded in wax and submitted to pH cycling for 7 days simulating a high cariogenic challenge in a kiln (37ºC). All samples were brushed with an extra-soft bristles infant toothbrush to mimic oral hygiene after exposure to a demineralizing solution for 6 hours. The samples were immersed in a 1% methylene blue solution for 2 hours at the end of cycling. The Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test was used to analyze the difference between the two GIC. Results: All samples disclosed a superficial dye penetration of 0.6 to 1.5 mm depth. There was no statistical d ifference b etween t he G IC t ested ( p = 0.883). Conclusion: Both GIC tested in this study exhibited superficial dye penetration to depths of at least until their superficial third.