A Cohort Study On Fissure Sealant Using ART Glass-Inomer

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the success rate of fissure sealant using Atraumatic Restorative Treatment Glass Ionomer (Fuji type IX, ART-GI), in first permanent molars (6-tooth) after one-year follow-up. Methods: In a one-year cohort study, two trained examiners assessed the success rate of fissure sealants applied by 15 oral therapists using ART-GI in first permanent molars of children aged 6 to 8 (n = 3662), in 15 primary schools of Ardebil province in north of Iran. Sound, and completely-erupted 6-teeth with deep pits and fissures were selected, and decayed 6-teeth, and uncontrolled saliva cases were excluded from the study. Successfulness of fissure sealant was defined as no removal or no minor or major defect in sealant, and no visible decay around the sealant. Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and Ardebil University of Medical Sciences, Iran, funded the present study. Results: The distribution of subjects by jaw was equal. Almost, all of the subjects (99%) were rural resident. Of all subjects, 3048 fissure sealants (83%) remained sound after one year and considered successful, 218 fissure sealants (6%) failed, and 396 (11%) were missing to follow. None of the cases, even those with minor or major defects, were decayed. Conclusions: ART-GI is a suitable material as fissure sealant, with high success rate after one-year follow-up, and low sensitivity to treatment procedure, and is easily applicable by trained auxiliary dental personnel.