IADR Abstract Archives
The Efficacy of a Self-etch Fissure-sealant in a Community Setting
Objectives: Objectives: to compare the efficacy of resin-based self-etch sealant versus conventional resin- based sealant , in a community setting in Mfuleni near Cape Town, South Africa
Methods: More than 550 children, aged 6-9 years participated in a school sealant programme in Mfuleni, Cape Town. Sealants were applied to fully erupted first permanent molars. Children were randomly assigned to have either conventional sealants (ClinPro, 3M) applied in a mobile dental unit, or a self-etch sealant (Constic, DMG) placed in a classroom (without using air syringe or suction). A blinded review was carried out after 6 , 12 ,18 and 24 months by three calibrated reviewers. Sealant retention and caries development was assessed. The study was approved by the UWC Biomedical research ethical committee, and consent was granted for each participant.
Results: 467 children were available for final examination of sealants . Approximately 1500 sealed teeth were evaluated. It appears that fissure sealants placed using the self etch material were less retentive than the conventional technique. Full retention were seen in only 28% of the teeth, vs. 60% , respectively. These differences were statistically significant.
Conclusions: Sealing fissures with the self-etch material, in sub-optimal placing conditions, showed decreased performance after 6-24 months. There were numerous difficulties working in a school setting which will be fully discussed.
Methods: More than 550 children, aged 6-9 years participated in a school sealant programme in Mfuleni, Cape Town. Sealants were applied to fully erupted first permanent molars. Children were randomly assigned to have either conventional sealants (ClinPro, 3M) applied in a mobile dental unit, or a self-etch sealant (Constic, DMG) placed in a classroom (without using air syringe or suction). A blinded review was carried out after 6 , 12 ,18 and 24 months by three calibrated reviewers. Sealant retention and caries development was assessed. The study was approved by the UWC Biomedical research ethical committee, and consent was granted for each participant.
Results: 467 children were available for final examination of sealants . Approximately 1500 sealed teeth were evaluated. It appears that fissure sealants placed using the self etch material were less retentive than the conventional technique. Full retention were seen in only 28% of the teeth, vs. 60% , respectively. These differences were statistically significant.
Conclusions: Sealing fissures with the self-etch material, in sub-optimal placing conditions, showed decreased performance after 6-24 months. There were numerous difficulties working in a school setting which will be fully discussed.