Detection of pit and fissure sealant microleakage using autofluorescence

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of detecting the presence and severity of microleakage of pit and fissure sealant using Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF) technology. Methods The areas of interest (AOI) were a total of 160 pit and fissure sites obtained from the occlusal surfaces of 40 permanent teeth. Fluorescent images were acquired using a QLF device, and the ΔFmax of each AOI was analysed. After staining and cross-sectioning of the teeth, histological dye penetration was scored on a 0–3 scale. The relationship between ΔFmax and microleakage depth was analysed, and the areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Results ΔFmax showed a significant increase as microleakage depth increased, and a strong correlation with histological scores (r = -0.72, P < 0.001). ΔFmax increased 2.6 times between a sound sealant margin and severe dye penetration. AUC analysis showed a high diagnostic accuracy of microleakage depth (AUC = 0.83–0.91). The AUC that differentiated the outer half microleakage of the sealant (histological score 0 vs 1–3) was the highest at 0.91. Conclusions The use of autofluorescence detection based on QLF technology enabled the detection of microleakages in sealants non-destructively and demonstrated excellent diagnostic validity.