A comparative study of two fissure sealants: a 2-year clinical follow-up

The aim of the study was to compare the fluoride-containing fissure sealants (Helioseal F) with the conventional (Concise Light Cure White Sealant) fissure sealants in their retention and caries-prevention capabilities in young population. Sealant materials were applied by three dentists on 122 fissures of first and second molars in 59 adults, 18-20 years of age. One hundred and twenty-two non-carious and unsealed molar teeth were selected as controls. The teeth were assessed using the following criteria: 1 - fully retained (FR), 2 - partially lost (PL), 3 - totally lost (TL) and 4 - decayed (D). All teeth were clinically assessed at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months by two examiners who were blinded to the sealant materials. Data were statistically analysed with chi-square tests. After 3 months 72.1% of sealants were fully retained, at 24 months this had dropped to 46.7%. The partial loss of sealants was at 3 months (15.6%), 6 months (26.2%), 12 months (27.9%) and 24 months (27%). The total loss of Helioseal F (16.4, 19.7, 18, 23% at 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th months, respectively) was more than the total loss of Concise Light Cure White Sealant (8.2, 9.8, 11.5, 18%, respectively); meaning that the retention rate of Helioseal F was lower than for Concise Light Cure White Sealant. No caries was detected at 3rd and 6th months in all sealant-treated teeth. The incidence of caries in Helioseal F treated teeth at 12 and 24 months was 11.5% and 0% in Concise Light Cure White Sealant treated teeth. The incidence of caries in all fissure-sealant-treated-teeth after 24 months was 5.7 and 25.4% in control group. The results underline that the application of fissure sealants to young people in this sample is an effective method for the prevention of fissure caries.