Evaluation of the Sealing Ability and Penetration Depth of the TheraCal LC as a Sealant for Pit and Fissures: An In Vitro Study

never evaluated as a sealant in pit and fissures.These properties led us to assess its potential as a sealant in pit and fissures.Key factors to consider while applying pit and fissures are their tooth surface retention and penetration depth, as these properties directly influence the sealant's longevity and effectiveness.Hence, this present study was piloted to assess the sealing ability and depth of penetration of TheraCal LC used as a sealant in pit and fissures. Materials a n d MethodsInstitutional Ethics Committee (IEC number: KIDS/IEC/FACULTY/ PEDO/2024/07) of a well-known recognized institution, that is, introduction Oro-dental infection, that is, caries, can have detrimental effects on the physical and psychological well-being of an individual.It occurs in both primary and permanent teeth and is caused by changes in the bacterial biofilm, disrupting the harmony between tooth demineralization and remineralization.The erupting permanent molars' occlusal aspects affected with dental caries are remarkably noted in children and younger age-groups. 1 The caries in pit and fissures comprise around 44% in primary dentition and around 80-90% in the permanent dentition 2 due to their complex morphology, leading to increased plaque accumulation and making dental hygiene more challenging.Caries in pit and fissures can be prevented by applying sealants.Conventionally, sealants such as glass ionomers and resin-based are used to seal these pit and fissures.Glass ionomer-based sealants offer beneficial fluoride-releasing properties and are easy to apply; however, their main disadvantage is the material's tendency to fracture, particularly due to its reduced ability to withstand occlusal forces, 3 which leads to secondary caries or recurrent caries around the sealant.To counter these, many bioactive dental materials have been merged into the pit and fissure sealants to prevent recurrent caries. [4][5]][6] By using calcium silicates or calcium aluminates, predominantly known as calcium silicate-based bioactive materials, which are capable of forming apatites, thereby maintaining an alkaline pH.TheraCal LC, a new light-cured formulation used for pulp capping, was quoted in a study in 2011. 7Despite its good sealing capabilities, simple handling characteristics, and improved flowability, it was