Clinical performance of a non-rinse conditioning sealant in three paediatric dental practices: a retrospective study

The present clinical retrospective study describes the retention rates of a compomer sealant (Dyract Seal, Dentsply-De Trey, Germany) with non-rinse conditioning (NRC) placed in three paediatric dentistry practices. Three hundred and seventeen sealants were applied in 220 primary and 97 permanent molars of 176 children aged 2.5-13 years. The tooth surface was freshened with a #1/2 round bur mounted on a slow speed engine, and isolated with cotton rolls. Application of the NRC and Dyract Seal followed the manufacturer's instructions. Sealant retention was classified as A (fully retained), B (partially lost) or C (completely missing). From a total of 220 sealants placed in primary molars, 38 were in the mouth between 12 and 18 months, 29 functioned between 19 and 24 months and 46 were followed up between 25 and 36 months. One hundred and thirteen (51%) were fully retained (A), 73 (33%) scored B (27 for 12-18 months; 20 for 19-24 months, 26 for 25-36 months) and 34 (16%) were lost and scored C (12 for 12-18 months; 12 for 19-24 months; 10 for 25-36 months). From a total of 97 sealed permanent molars, 45 (46%) were fully retained (score A). Of these, 25 were followed up for 12-18 months, 10 for 19-24 months and 10 for 25-36 months. Thirty-eight sealed permanent molars (19%) scored B [17 for 12-18 months, 10 for 19-24 months and seven for 25-36 months and 14 (15%) were completely lost (score C: 6 for 12-18 months, seven for 19-24 months and two for 25-36 months)]. Dyract Seal has a lower retention rate than conventional sealants. It may be appropriate for sealing primary molars of very young children for a limited period of time and for permanent molars of children with pronounced gag reflex, where rinsing can become a problem and lead to disruptive behaviour.