Evaluation of Different Pit and Fissure Sealants for Caries Prevention in Community Settings

Pit and fissure sealants are widely used as a preventive measure against dental caries, especially in high-risk populations. Various types of sealants, including resin-based, glass ionomer, and bioactive materials, have been introduced with differing levels of retention and caries prevention efficacy. This study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of different sealant materials in preventing occlusal caries in a community-based setting.

A total of 400 school-aged children (6-12 years) were enrolled and randomly assigned to three groups based on the type of pit and fissure sealant used: Group A (resin-based sealant), Group B (glass ionomer sealant), and Group C (bioactive sealant). The sealants were applied following manufacturer instructions, and retention rates along with caries incidence were assessed at 6 and 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square tests and ANOVA to determine significant differences between groups.

At the 6-month follow-up, retention rates were highest in Group A (85%), followed by Group C (80%) and Group B (70%). At 12 months, retention declined to 75%, 72%, and 60% for Groups A, C, and B, respectively. Caries incidence after one year was lowest in Group A (7%), followed by Group C (9%) and Group B (15%), with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Resin-based and bioactive sealants demonstrated superior retention and caries prevention compared to glass ionomer sealants.

All three types of sealants provided caries prevention benefits, but resin-based and bioactive sealants exhibited better retention and efficacy over time. Community-based programs should prioritize these materials for effective long-term caries prevention in children. Further research is needed to assess cost-effectiveness and long-term outcomes in diverse populations.