253 - An Evaluation of Sealant Retention in Permanent Molars Using an Adhesive Bonding System

An Evaluation of Sealant Retention in Permanent Molars Using an Adhesive Bonding System
Caras M, Berry E, Unkel J, Desai S, Reinhartz J, Reinhartz D

Abstract

Purpose: This clinical study aimed to investigate the effect of using adhesive bonding agent prior to sealant placement on sealant retention and clinical success in permanent molars.

Methods: The presence of fully erupted, non-carious, non-stained permanent first molars were included in this sealant study in patients aged 3-10 years old. Four permanent first molars were sealed using an Isovac or rubber dam isolation system using bond prior to sealant placement and the two contralateral molars of the same type were sealed with the same isolation system without bond prior to sealant placement in a split-mouth study design. Sealant retention, marginal integrity, and caries presence were evaluated and scored every 6 months up to 1.5 years after sealant placement.

Results: After analysis, teeth sealed with bond presented as 71% with full retention of sealant compared to 65% with full retention of sealant in teeth sealed without bond in the 6 month recall appointment. At the 12 month recall, teeth sealed with bond presented as 72% with full retention of sealant compared to 61% with full retention of sealant in teeth sealed without bond. Margin integrity was slightly improved in teeth sealed with bond as 68% of teeth had sealant material undetectable with the explorer compared to 65% of teeth without bond in 6 months. The 12 month teeth showed no difference in margin integrity with both groups at 61% for the undetectable margin indicating an intact margin. No caries was found in all teeth in both the bonded and non-bonded groups, however enamel hypo-mineralization was noted in the nonbonded group at 3% and 6% at the 6 and 12 month recall appointments, respectively.

Conclusion: When proper technique is utilized, placement of bond prior to sealant placement does enhance sealant retention and margin integrity. Based on the preliminary results, there is a slight difference on the effectiveness on caries prevention between placement of bond and lack of bond, with the bond placement having better prevention. More participants and data are needed to determine caries prevention of bonded versus non-bonded sealants.