Brief Narrative Review on Commercial Dental Sealants—Comparison with Respect to Their Composition and Potential Modifications

Abstract

The scope of this paper is to compare different dental sealants and flow materials indicated for sealing pits and fissures considering their chemical formula. The narrative review aims to address the following questions: What is the essence of different dental sealants’ activity, how does their chemical formula affect their mechanisms of caries prevention, and what makes a dental sealant efficient mean of caries prevention? Another vital issue is whether the sealants that contain fluoride, or any other additions, have potentially increased antimicrobial properties. An electronic search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was performed. The following keywords were used: (dental sealants) AND (chemical composition). Additionally, information about composition and indications for clinical use provided by manufacturers were utilized. All of the considered materials are indicated for use both in permanent and primary dentition for sealing fissures, pits, and foramina caeca. The selection of suitable material should be made individually and adjusted to conditions of the sealing procedure and patient’s needs. Cariostatic mechanisms increasing sealants’ effectiveness such as fluoride release are desired in modern dentistry appreciating preventive approach. The review aims are to find crucial elements of sealants’ composition which affect their cariostatic mechanisms.

The Assessment of Resin-Based Composite Sealants’ Effectiveness in Arresting Non-Cavitated Dentin Carious Lesions (ICDAS 3)—A 12 Month Follow-Up Preliminary Study

“…Recent studies [52,53] suggest that various operative factors, including moisture control, surface preparation, and the application of dental adhesive, affect the clinical outcomes, and there are data [54] indicating better results in terms of the retention rate of the resin-based fissure sealant, but this cannot be the basis for concluding that this type of material is superior for the stated task. Further research is undoubtedly needed to determine which material is best suited for application as a fissure sealant [55].…”

The Influence of Fluoride Gels on the Physicochemical Properties of Tooth Tissues and Dental Materials—A Systematic Review

“…However, its mode of action is not fully understood. It is an important factor in the processes of demineralization and remineralization [6,14,15]. When present in saliva in a sufficient amount, fluoride ions delay demineralization and promote enamel remineralization [16,17].…”

“…The incorporation of fluoride into dental biomaterials facilitates its controlled release into hard tissues and the environment of the oral cavity. Antimicrobial and cariostatic properties of dental biomaterials are frequently associated with the amount of released fluoride [14,21,22]. Moreover, in order to be applicable in the oral cavity, biomaterials have to be biocompatible, as broadly defined by David F. Williams [23].…”