Effectiveness of a self-etching adhesive on sealant retention in primary teeth.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to conduct a clinical evaluation of fissure sealant retention in primary teeth using self-etching adhesive Adper Prompt L-Pop or a conventional phosphoric acid-etching technique.

METHODS

A total of 90 primary second molars indicated for sealants were selected from 45 healthy 4- to 6-year-olds. A randomized, split-mouth design was applied using bilateral primary second molars. Sealant retention was evaluated, using the Color Coverage Caries sealant evaluation system, and blindly checked by the same examiner at six and 12 months.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the retention of sealant using self-etching adhesives vs the conventional acid-etching technique. Statistically significant lower retention rates were found with both techniques after evaluating at 12 months vs six months.

CONCLUSIONS

Replacing phosphoric acid-etching with self-etching adhesive Adper Prompt L-Pop does not compromise sealant retention in primary teeth after a 1-year period.