An evaluation of sealant restorations after 2 years.

AIM

To obtain evidence of the efficacy of sealant restoration used in the management of fissure caries.

DESIGN

A controlled study in a UK dental hospital environment.

METHODS

Suspect fissure lesions were investigated in 164 young adult patients attending for routine dental care. Only one test tooth per subject was included in the study. Patients were recalled after 6, 12 and 24 months at which time the fissure sealant retention and the performance of the restorative materials were noted.

RESULTS

Successful recall was achieved with 91.5% of patients. Most teeth treated (92%) involved the preparation of an investigative cavity. The mean age of patients treated was 23.9 years and second permanent molar teeth were the most commonly affected teeth requiring treatment in this age group. The presence of small composite restorations did not adversely affect fissure sealant retention but after 2 years, significantly more sealant was lost from the surface of light cured glass-ionomer cement and larger composite restorations.

CONCLUSIONS

Sealant restorations provide an effective method of management of fissure caries in young adult patients.