Evaluation of the retention of two types of pit and fissure sealants

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The retention of a chemically polymerized sealand (Delton) was statistically compared with a widely tested UV-polymerized system (Nuva-Seal). [These sealants are used to prevent dental decay in the pits and fissures of the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth.] Children (200), aged 5-16 yr, who resided in Fairfax County, Virginia [USA], (a fluoridated community), and who had 1 or more pairs of homologous permanent posterior teeth free of decay or fillings were admitted to the study. Posterior teeth on 1 side of the mouth of each subject were randomly assigned to receive Nuva-Seal; teeth on the other side were treated with Delton. Treated teeth were examined for sealant loss .apprx. every 6 mo. for a period of 2 yr. Scores for complete retention of Nuva-Seal were 86% after 6 mo. and 78% at the end of 2 yr. The corresponding values for Delton-treated teeth were 96 and 92%. For both sealants, scores of total retention were highest in mandibular 1st premolars and lowest in mandibular 2nd molars. The greatest rate of sealant loss occurred within the first 6 mo. after placement. A comparison of overall retention scores (net gain) for Delton and Nuva-Seal revealed that Delton scores were significantly higher than Nuva-Seal at each semi-annual examination. The McNemar test was used to compare the retention of the 2 sealants for each tooth type. The test showed that the retention scores for Delton were significantly higher than those for Nuva-Seal only on maxillary and mandibular 1st molars.

This publication has 10 references indexed in Scilit: