The effectiveness of sealants in pediatric patients

The objective of this investigation was to determine the frequency of retreatment of sealed teeth in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at The University of Iowa College of Dentistry for the eight years between July 1985 through July 1993. The 7,838 teeth initially sealed were reviewed and it was found that 78 percent had not required resealing or restoration and another 13.2 percent only required resealant. Sealants placed in first permanent molars in six, seven and eight-year-olds required more retreatment than those in older children. Those placed initially in second molars in eleven and twelve-year-olds required more resealants than those placed in older children. It was concluded that sealants had been a successful preventive procedure, but the failures of early placement leave some doubt as to the best time to place sealants.