Clinical evaluation of the retention and wear of a light-cured pit and fissure glass ionomer sealant.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 12-month retention and wear of an experimental light-cured glass ionomer for pit and fissure sealing. A total of 25 patients 7-14 years-old were selected from the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The patients resided in areas without fluoridated water. Each tooth was isolated with cotton rolls, dried with oil-free compressed air and GC Dentin Conditioner applied with a small disposable brush to the pits and fissures for 20 seconds. The teeth were rinsed with water and gently air dried using an air/water syringe. The teeth were not desiccated. GC experimental glass ionomer for pit and fissures was used. The powder/liquid ratio was dispensed at 1.4 gm/1.0 gm (one level spoonful of powder to one drop of liquid). The powder was mixed for 15-20 seconds. An explorer was used to apply the mixed sealant to the tooth and teased into all pits and fissures. The sealant was then cured for 20 seconds. Occlusion was corrected after the sealant was light-cured. Immediately, a color slide and a vinyl polysiloxane impressions were taken. The impressions were poured in epoxy resin. Color slides, impressions and epoxy models were also made at 3, 6, 9 and 12-month recalls. A total of 95 sealants were placed and follow-up for 12 months. The results showed that with the clinical visual inspection all sealants were present at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. At 12 months, only 20% of the sealants were clinically evident.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)