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.
Ripa
L W
LW
Department of Children's Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794.
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