Sealing Partially Erupted First Molars: Six Months Clinical Study Results

Signature Grand, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective. To determine the clinical benefit of Glass Ionomer based sealants. Background. Glass Ionomer based sealant will show the highest degree of retention due to its potential to bond to saliva-contaminated enamel. Objective. To test the hypothesis that glass-ionomers can provide effective protection on partially-erupted first molars compared to resin-based systems on saliva-contaminated enamel. Methods. Thirty-nine high-caries risk patients 5-9 years old, who met inclusion criteria, were recruited following IRB approval. Two first permanent partially-erupted molars with a Diagnodent score below 20 were selected for this split-mouth study. The groups of treatment included: GC Fuji Triage, glass-ionomer (T), and Delton FS+, resin-based sealant (D) using the manufacturer's directions. Cotton-roll isolation was used. Sealants were placed in a random selection by a calibrated operator. Sealants covered the occlusal surface, including under the operculum. Intraoral pictures (Gendex) of the teeth were taken before placing sealants, immediately after placement, and at 6-month recall by another blinded-calibrated operator, and analyzed to evaluate retention and microleakage. Results. Thirty-four children were present for the 6-month recall (87% recall rate). No statistical differences were found between the groups for microleakage and retention. Differences were found between baseline and 6-months (p < .01). Microleakage was assessed by total-microleakage (ML), partial-microleakage (PM), no-microleakage (NM). Retention was assessed by full-retention (F), partial retention (PR) lost (L). Conclusions. Even though the retention and microleakage rate appeared to be similar for Groups T and D, T has advantages due to its fluoride release and easier technique.