Assessment of the Effect of preheating on the viscosity of resin sealants

Abstract: Pits and fissures sealants should have a high degree of viscosity and wettability, which would allow deep penetration of the material into the highly retentive occlusal surface of premolars and molars of children. Usually, the viscosity of liquids decreases with increasing temperature. Therefore, this study aims to assess the influence of temperature on resin sealant viscosity. Material and methods: The viscosity of the resin sealant Grandio seal (VOCO) was determined with a rotary viscometer. The material was heated using a composite heating furnace. The viscosity of Grandio Seal resin sealant was measured at three temperature values: at room temperature of 21.5℃ (1st group), heating to 41.0℃ (2nd group), and heating to 51.0℃ (3rd group). Results: With an increase in the number of revolutions per minute, respectively the speed of the viscometer, a decrease in the material's viscosity was reported. An increase in temperature led to a decrease in the material's viscosity. The lowest viscosity was measured at 51ºC. Conclusion: By heating the resin sealant the material's viscosity was significantly reduced, potentially leading to better sealant penetration in the pits and fissures system and retention.