ART high-viscosity glass-ionomer sealants after 11-13 years; clinical, SEM assessments

Objectives: Composite resin sealants are retained longer than low-viscosity glass-ionomer sealants. Notwithstanding this fact, there is no evidence that composite resin sealants are superior in preventing dentine carious lesion development compared to low-viscosity glass-ionomers. What is the reason for this phenomenon? Methods: 4 high-viscosity glass-ionomer ART sealants have been followed clinically for between 8 and 13 years. At the final year, impressions were taken for SEM assessment. Results: Remnants of high-viscosity glass-ionomer were available in the deeper parts of these sealants, making the pits and fissures inaccesible for plaque development. This phenomenon is considered a contributing factor to the low prevalence of dentine carious lesions in reexposed pits and fissures reported in the literature. Conclusion: This case study confirmes through clinical images and SEM investigation of 4 high-viscosity glass-ionomer sealants that remnants of this dental material can block pits and fissures even after it clinically appears to have disappeared.