Trial of protective effect of fissure sealants, in vivo, on the palatal surfaces of anterior teeth, in patients suffering from erosion.

OBJECTIVES

Previous work has shown protection to eroded teeth offered by a resin-based adhesive lasted up to three months. The hypothesis investigated in this study was whether application of a fissure sealant would offer longer protection.

METHODS

Seventeen adult patients with palatal tooth wear were recruited and written consent obtained. Metal discs were cemented on the palatal surfaces of all upper anterior teeth following previously published techniques. Alternate teeth within each subject were randomly chosen and coated with a clear fissure sealant using previously published methods. The uncoated teeth were used as controls. Accurate impressions were taken in custom made trays and repeated at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 20 months and scanned using a non-contacting laser profilometer.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation) thickness of the fissure sealant was 290 μm (500) at the start and after 3 months a mean thickness of 120 μm (260) remained. At this point the control surfaces showed a mean 70 μm (113) of tooth wear. At 6 and 9 months the mean wear for control teeth was higher at 120 μm (114) and 110 μm (114) than sealed teeth at 50 μm (260) and 60 μm (440), respectively. A comparison of paired sites within subjects at their final visit indicated a statistically significant difference in wear between the sealed and control teeth (p=0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of fissure sealant to protect palatal dentine surfaces may have a role in prevention of tooth wear for up to a period of nine months.