Sealants revisted: an update of the effectiveness of pit-and-fissure sealants.
The first sealant clinical trials used cyanoacrylate-based materials. These were replaced by dimethacrylate-based products which were marketed. A major difference between marketed sealants is their method of polymerization. First-generation sealants were initiated by ultraviolet light, second-generation sealants are autopolymerized, and third-generation sealants use visible light. Over time, clinical retention was found to be greater for second generation as compared with first-generation sealants. Five to 7 years after initial application the pits and fissures of approximately one third of teeth treated with first-generation sealants were fully protected as compared with two thirds of the teeth treated with second-generation sealants. First-generation, ultraviolet light initiated, sealants are no longer marketed. Clinical reports indicate that retention is similar for second- and third-generation systems, but longer clinical evaluations are necessary. A recent innovation is the addition of fluoride to sealants. Fluoride release to the saliva from a fluoride sealant system is rapid, but clinical studies are needed to determine if the fluoride addition improves caries inhibition.
Department of Children's Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794.
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Ripa
D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; D002648:Child; D003487:Cyanoacrylates; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008689:Methacrylates; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011140:Polyurethanes
D003487:Cyanoacrylates; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D008689:Methacrylates; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D011140:Polyurethanes; C029824:urethane dimethacrylate luting resin; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate