Influence of Isolation Methods on Retention of Pit and Fissure Sealants in Young Permanent Teeth based on Simonsen’s Criteria: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Pit and Fissure Sealants (PFS) are chemically-active liquid materials that are introduced into the occlusal surface of caries-susceptible teeth. These form a micro mechanically bonded, protective layer preventing access to caries-producing bacteria, from rest of the oral environment. Aim: To evaluate the retention of PFS placed on young permanent teeth using two isolation methods. Materials and Methods: This clinical study was carried out in the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, at Narayana Dental College and Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India. One hundred Permanent First Molars (PFM) from 25 healthy, cooperative children in the age group of 6-9 years were assigned by block randomisation into two groups (isolation type); each group containing the upper and lower PFMs of the right and left side receiving two different treatment modalities (split-mouth design). In Group I (n=50 teeth), the teeth received sealant with rubber dam isolation, and in Group II (n=50 teeth), with cotton roll isolation. The sealant was applied to all the PFMs as indicated. All the teeth were evaluated using Simonsen’s criteria at regular intervals of 3, 6, and 12 months. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS statistical package (version 17) and statistical significance was set at 0.05. The difference in the retention of PFS with the two isolation methods was analysed using the Chi-square test. Results: After 12 months, the marginal integrity rate for sealants placed with a rubber dam and cotton roll isolation were 75% and 64%, respectively. The results were better in Group I than in Group II, although there were no statistically significant differences with respect to marginal integrity, discolouration, and anatomical failure. Conclusion: Retention of PFS in young permanent teeth was better with rubber dam than cotton rolls for isolation, though the results were not statistically significant.

A concise review of dental sealants in caries management

“…There is no difference in the retention rate of dental sealant when using rubber dams, cotton rolls, or dental isolation systems as moisture control. A randomized clinical trial studied the difference in retention of resin dental sealant placed with rubber dam isolation or cotton roll ( 89 ). At the 12-month follow-up, no statistical significance was found.Another randomized clinical trial compared cotton roll and the Isolite system (an illuminated dental isolation system with a bite block that provides suction and retraction) as isolation for resin dental sealant and followed for 12 months after placement ( 90 ).…”

Penetration and Adaptation of the Highly Viscous Zinc-Reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement on Contaminated Fissures: An In Vitro Study with SEM Analysis

“…Various materials and techniques used as pit and fissure sealants are available in the market [13]. There are four types of sealant materials under a classification proposed by Anusavice and colleagues: resin-based sealants, glass ionomer (GI) cements, GI sealants, polyacid-modified resin sealants, and resin-modified GI sealants [1, [14][15][16]. Since the introduction of glass ionomer materials, they have been successfully employed for a number of applications [17].…”

“…In children who are uncooperative in the dental clinic, it is difficult to ensure an isolated environment during their treatment, but these caries-prone tooth surfaces exposed to sugars and thus worsen the condition [15,16]. Zinc is one of the contributing factors in post-eruptive mineralization.…”