Comparative Evaluation of Retention, Cariostatic Effect and Discoloration of Conventional and Hydrophilic Sealants - A Single Blinded Randomized Split Mouth Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION

Pit and fissures are approximately eight times vulnerable than the smooth surface caries lesion. Sealants are effective in preventing, arresting, and progression of pit-and-fissure occlusal caries lesions. The failure of sealant resin-based retention is mainly attributed to the moisture contamination. To overcome this drawback, UltraSeal XT hydro, a moisture-friendly sealant, has been introduced.

AIM

This study aimed to compare and evaluate the retention, cariostatic effect, and discoloration of conventional Clinpro™ 3M™ ESPE™ and hydrophilic UltraSeal XT sealants among 12 to 15-year-old schoolchildren for 3 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-blinded, randomized, split-mouth clinical trial was conducted among thirty schoolchildren aged 12-15 years. Sealants used in the present study were Group I - Clinpro™ and Group II - UltraSeal XT hydro. Sealants were provided in the school by two operators based on the computer-generated random sequence and the study participants were evaluated after 3 months for sealant coverage, caries incidence, and discoloration using Color, Coverage and Caries sealant evaluation system. Sealant coverage between the two sealants was compared using Mann-Whitney U-test and Z-test for proportions.

RESULTS

A total of 47 teeth (78.3%) with UltraSeal XT Hydro had the sealant covering in all the fissures compared to Clinpro™ 3M™ ESPE™ which was 46.7% (28 teeth) and the difference was observed to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Hydrophilic UltraSeal XT Hydro yielded better sealant coverage (retention) compared to the conventional Clinpro™ 3M™ ESPE™. No difference was observed with regard to cariostatic effect and discoloration.