Pit and fissure sealants: results at five and ten years.
OBJECTIVE
This was to evaluate the efficacy of pit and fissure sealant (FS) using two different application techniques for caries prevention assessed at five and ten years.


METHODS
The study was conducted using Delton(R) pit and fissures sealant applied with either rubber dam (RD) (Group A: 50 children, 200 first permanent molars, 120 second permanent molars) or cotton wool rolls (CR) (Group B: 50 children, 200 first permanent molars, 112 second permanent molars). At five and ten years FS were evaluated for retention, loss and incidence of occlusal and proximal carious lesions recorded.


METHODS
The data were analysed with the Chi- square test comparing the results obtained for first permanent molars and second permanent molars at five and ten years.


RESULTS
There was no statistical difference between results in the two groups (p< or =0.05). The highest retention rate, 81.7%, was found for second permanent molars sealed under RD at the five year assessment. The lowest, 64.3% also for second molars sealed under CR humidity control at ten years.


CONCLUSIONS
Pit and fissure sealants are a valid preventive approach that can be applied with similar results with rubber dam or cotton rolls.
Albani
F
F
Department of Periodontology, University of L'Aquila, Italy.
Ballesio
I
I
Campanella
V
V
Marzo
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016733:Rubber Dams; D013997:Time Factors
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants