In vivo retention of glass ionomer cement as fissure sealant

Objectives: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the use of a high-viscous glass ionomer cement (GIC) as a fissure sealant for first permanent molars. Methods: Seventy-nine children (7-12 yrs) from a poor community in a fluoridated area were enrolled in this study. A clinical examination was performed to select children with four non-cavitated first molars. Prior to application of the sealant the teeth were evaluated for time of eruption (NE: non erupted; -1/2: less than halfd erupted; +1/2: more than half erupted; E totally eruypted) and for discoloration of pit and fissures (NC: no color change; W: white demineralization; Y: yellow stain; B: black stain). At baseline a total of 309 teeth received the GIC as a fissure sealant. The teeth were dried with gauze, isoled with cotton rolls, followed by the application of an encapsulated GIC (Fuji IX GP Fast, GC Corp). Dental students supervised by two instructors performed the simplified procedure. At six and twelve months after insertion, retention of GIC was classified as: TR- total retention; PR- partial retention; L- lost and R- restored due to caries. Results: Retention after 6 months (100% recalled) was: 148TR (48%), 86 PR (28%), 66L (21%) and 9 R (3%). Only 54 children (216 teeth, 70%) could be evaluated at one-year. The one-year sealant retention was: 51 TR (24%), 54 PR (25%), 103 L (48%) and 8 teeth (3.7%) were restored due to caries. Conclusion: This data suggests that high-viscous GIC could be used as a fissure sealant for first permanent molars.