Clinical Study on Surface Protection for Newly-Erupting Molars: 6-Month Results

Objective: To test the hypothesis that glass-ionomer sealants (T) can provide effective bonding on a saliva-contaminated enamel surface compared to resin-based systems (D), and therefore provide surface protection for pit and fissures on newly erupting first molars.  Methods: Thirty-nine patients, 5-9 years of age, having bilateral partially erupted first molars (free of restorations, decay, hypoplasia, fracture or cracks) were selected following IRB approval. Eligible molars were examined with Diagnodent, and readings over 20 excluded. Delton Plus FS (D) followed by acid and Prime&Bond NT application was placed in one quadrant, and GC Fuji Triageď (T) followed by Cavity Conditioner was placed on the other quadrant of the same patient.  Only cotton-rolls were used for isolation.  Quadrants were randomly assigned. Retention was calculated as percentage at 6-month recall.  Nested multinomial regression was used to analyze the change in types of retention (baseline to six months) between the two sealers.  Results:  34 patients were present for the recall (87.2%).  56% and 44% of the sealants were partially retained in Groups T and D respectively. One sealant from Group D (2.9%) was completely lost. No statistical difference was found between the two sealers when the category "lost" was removed.  No signs of demineralization were observed on surfaces that were not covered with either one of the sealant materials.

	T	D	Total
Fully-retained	15	18	33
Partially-reatined	19	15	34
Lost	0	1	1
Total	34	34	68

Conclusion: Groups T and D showed similar retention pattern at 6-month recall.  Concerning its fluoride release and simpler technique, Group T has advantages especially with newly erupting molars.  NSU President's Faculty Research and Development Grant No:335381, GC America supported this study.