Effect of topical fluoride on retention of pit and fissure sealants.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of topical fluoride on retention of light-cured (CLC) and self-cured (CSC) pit and fissure sealants.


METHODS
CLC and CSC sealants were placed in vivo on opposite sides of the arch before and after fluoride treatment. A total of 122 sealants were placed on virgin permanent molars and premolars of 16 dental hygiene students enrolled in a two-year program. Sealant retention in both fluoridated and non-fluoridated teeth was evaluated at 6, 12, and 18 month intervals.


RESULTS
Overall sealant retention for both fluoridated and non-fluoridated teeth at 6, 12 and 18 months was 68%, 48%, and 49%, respectively. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) when fluoridated vs. non-fluoridated teeth were compared. Retention was greater on the fluoridated teeth, with respect to the sealant material (CLC-fluoride). Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found when CLC-fluoride and CLC-no fluoride treatment groups were compared. However, no significant differences were found in retention when CSC-fluoride and CSC-no fluoride groups were compared, or when CLC was compared to CSC irrespective of fluoridation. Significant differences (p < 0.0001) were found when sealant retention on molars was compared to premolars--retention of sealants was greater on premolars.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that sealant retention may not be adversely affected by a topical fluoride treatment applied immediately prior to placement.
Warren
D P
DP
Department of Dental Public Health and Dental Hygiene, University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Infante
N B
NB
Rice
H C
HC
Turner
S D
SD
Chan
J T
JT
D000149:Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001641:Bicuspid; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000145:classification; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar; D015588:Observer Variation; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013499:Surface Properties
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D000149:Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate