Retention of two fluoride pit-and-fissure sealants in comparison to a conventional sealant

AIM: The aim of this investigation was to study the retention rates in children of two fluoride fissure sealants, an experimental fluoride-glass formulation and a commercial one, in comparison to a conventional sealant, at 3, 6 and 12 months. DESIGN: The study was performed in a randomized double-blind fashion. SETTING: The investigation was carried out in the Children's Clinic at Leeds Dental Institute. METHODS: A total of 74 first and 29 second permanent molars in 25 children aged 6-16 were assigned randomly to one of the three sealant-groups using a table of random numbers. During sealant application occlusal pits and fissures were cleaned with a three-in-one syringe and a blunt probe, etched for 20 seconds, washed, dried and light-cured for 30 seconds. Retention of the sealants was assessed as either completely retained, partially retained or missing at 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: The results showed that complete retention for fluoride-glass sealant, Delton Plus and Delton was: at 3 months 69.69%, 81.25% and 80.64% respectively, at 6 months 64.51%, 74.19% and 76.66% respectively, and at 12 months 61.29%, 67.74% and 70% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found among the three materials in retention rates at each follow-up period.