No evidence to support use of glass ionomer as a fissure sealant in primary molars.
METHODS
Randomised controlled trial in primary care setting.


METHODS
508 children aged 18-30 months from high caries areas of South Wales with caries-free first primary molars were recruited to the trial after informed consent. All children (n=508) received a standard package of dental health education. Children in the test group (n=241) had their first primary molars sealed with glass ionomer. All the children were re-examined once at varying intervals between 12 and 30 months.


METHODS
Decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) and presence of glass ionomer sealant.


RESULTS
Analysis of the caries data revealed no significant difference between test and control groups for any of the parameters examined. Examination of the confidence intervals showed no indication that there might be a difference even if the sample size had been increased.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence that the intervention as used in this population had any effect on caries incidence and it cannot be recommended as a clinical procedure.
Uribe
Sergio
S
Department of Preventive and Paediatric Dentistry, Graduate School, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Valparaiso, Chile.