236 - Evaluation of Sealants in Pediatric Patients Using a Bonding System

Purpose: This clinical study aimed to investigate the effect of using adhesive bonding agent prior to sealant placement on sealant retention and clinical success in primary and permanent molars.

Methods: The presence of fully erupted, non-carious primary second molars and permanent first molars were included in this sealant study of patients 3-10 years old. In a split-mouth study design, two permanent first molars or primary second molars were sealed with bond with an Isovac or rubber dam and the two contralateral molars of the same type were sealed without bond. Sealant retention, marginal integrity, and caries presence were evaluated every 6 months up to 18 months after sealant placement.

Results: Twenty-three patients have been enrolled with 6 returning to the clinic for 6 month evaluations. Preliminary data indicate that primary and permanent molars sealed with bond presented with 75% full retention of sealant compared to 63% in teeth sealed without bond. None of the teeth in both the bonded and non-bonded groups presented with caries. Sealants in primary teeth were found to possess similar retention and marginal integrity to sealants in permanent teeth.

Conclusion: Based on the preliminary results, teeth sealed with bond trend to show slightly superior retention and marginal integrity to teeth that were sealed without bond. Thus far, sealants have shown to be effective in primary and permanent molars to prevent caries. Further longitudinal data at 12-month and 18-month evaluations must be completed along with enrollment of additional study subjects to confirm these early trends.