Effects of air polishing on the abrasion of occlusal sealant

Air polishing, routinely used in dental offices, is known to be abrasive to polymer-based materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated air abrasion on two types of sealants: self-curing Concise or light-curing Delton. Scanning electron micrographs were collected after 0, 10, 30, 60, and 90 total second of air polishing. The remaining sealant was rated by two examiners (100% agreement) as little or no loss; some loss; or most or complete loss. Statistical tests revealed no significant sealant loss at any time interval, despite the fact that some sealant loss was observed on all but three samples.