358 - Sealant Retention in Permanent Molars Using an Adhesive Bonding System

Purpose: The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the effect of bond versus no bond used in sealant placement by looking at sealant retention, marginal integrity, and caries prevention on first permanent molars.

Methods: Seventy-three patients, 6-13 years old, with the presence of fully erupted, non-carious, non-stained permanent first molars were included in this sealant study. Two permanent first molars were sealed using an Isovac or rubber dam isolation system applying a bond prior to sealant placement. Two contralateral molars of the same type were sealed with the same isolation system without bond prior to sealant placement in a split-mouth study design. Sealant retention, marginal integrity, and caries presence were evaluated and scored at 6-month, 12-month, and 18-month intervals after sealant placement. Descriptive statistics were completed.

Results: The average age of the patients was 7.9 years of age with 52% male and 48% female. At 12 months, full sealant retention was 70% with bond and 65% without bond, full marginal integrity maintained was 63% with bond and 58% without bond. At 18 months, full sealant retention was 67% with bond and 54% without bond and full marginal integrity maintained was 54% with bond and 38% without bond. In 18 months, 2 teeth without bonded sealant developed enamel hypo-mineralization and no teeth with bonded sealant.

Conclusion: There is higher percentage of full sealant retention and marginal integrity with sealants with bond compared to sealants without bond. A longer follow-up is needed to determine significance of bond versus non-bonded teeth.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital.