Resumo

POTGIETER, C  e  NAIDOO, S. How effective are resin-based sealants in preventing caries when placed under field conditions?. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2017, vol.72, n.1, pp.22-27. ISSN 0375-1562.

Fissure sealants are considered to be amongst the most effective, least invasive, primary preventive measures against occlusal caries, but surprisingly are not that commonly used. This cross-sectional comparative study evaluated the retention rate and effectiveness in preventing caries of resin-based (RB) fissure sealants that were placed on the occlusal surfaces of the first permanent molar teeth under field conditions on Grade One learners in a rural low socio-economic area community. The control population was a matched sample of Grade Two children. Dental caries and sealant retention were determined by a calibrated examiner who was not involved in the placement of the sealants. On the 12 month follow-up, the caries incidence rate on fissure sealed first permanent molar teeth was 7.1%, while that of the control group was 9.1%, a non-significant result (p=0.39). Sealant retention was also lower than generally reported, only 7.8% being fully intact after 12 months. The placement of resin-based fissure sealants under sub-optimal conditions in the field was not found to be beneficial in reducing the incidence of dental caries. There may be a need for different types of sealant materials to be made available in the public sector for optimal effectiveness.

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