Evaluation of glass carbomer sealant and a moisture tolerant resin sealant – A comparative study

Abstract

Introduction

Fissure sealants have been widely used for more than four decades in preventing dental caries. Advances in technology have led to the development of moisture tolerant sealants. They are available as resin based and glass ionomer based. There is a paucity of studies on the effectiveness of moisture tolerant sealant materials in clinical conditions. AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the retention and caries incidence with use of the two newly introduced moisture tolerant pit and fissure sealants.

Materials and methods

One hundred and eight children formed the study group. The glass carbomer sealant and Embrace WetBond sealant were two moisture tolerant sealants used. The sealant was applied on the occlusal surface of the teeth following the manufacturer's instructions. Children were recalled for assessment of sealant retention and the teeth were examined for dental caries on the occlusal surface using mouth mirror and blunt probe following 1, 3,6,12,18 and 24 months. Sealants were assessed according to a modified version of the CCC sealants evaluation system described by Deery et al. RESULTS: At 18 and 24 months, both GC and EBW showed similar pattern of sealant retention At 24 months, enamel caries was observed in 3 teeth sealed with EBW as compared to only 1 tooth sealed with GC.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference between the retention of glass carbomer sealant and Embrace WetBond sealant, at the end of 2 years. There was no significant difference in the caries incidence between both these sealants.