The Effect of Preheating on the Water Sorption and Solubility of Fissure Sealants with Different Compositions

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preheating on the water sorption and solubility of fissure sealants with different compositions, including Bis-GMA–containing, Bis-GMA–free resin-based, and glass ionomer–based materials. Materials and Methods: Three resin-based fissure sealants (Clinpro, Helioseal F Plus, and Fissurit FX) and one glass ionomer–based fissure sealant (Riva Protect) were used in this study. Specimens were prepared under two conditions: non-heated (room temperature) and preheated (55 °C). Resin-based materials were heated for 20 minutes, whereas the glass ionomer–based material was heated for 60 seconds. Water sorption and solubility were measured after 14 days of water storage in accordance with ISO 4049. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc test, and independent samples t-test (p < 0.05).Results: The glass ionomer–based sealant (Riva Protect) exhibited significantly higher water sorption than all resin-based materials in both heated and non-heated groups (p < 0.05). Preheating resulted in a significant increase in water sorption only for Clinpro (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed among the other resin-based sealants. In terms of solubility, Clinpro showed the highest values in the non-heated group, while Fissurit FX demonstrated the lowest solubility overall. A significant increase in solubility following preheating was observed only in Riva Protect (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The effect of preheating on the water sorption and solubility values of fissure sealants was material-dependent. Helioseal F Plus, despite being Bis-GMA–free, showed comparable water sorption and solubility values to Bis-GMA–containing resin-based sealants, indicating its potential suitability as an alternative material in clinical practice.