Two-year sealant survival in a high caries cohort at a graduate pedodontic clinic

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of resin sealants in children aged 6-12 years referred to one graduate pedodontic program located in the Middle East (2009-2010). Study Design: Data from a cohort of 110 patients with at least 2 erupted first permanent molars were included in this study. Dental health status was evaluated using the DMFs/t index. UltraSeal XT® Plus sealants (n=253 applications) were performed in presence of rubber dam isolation and survival carefully inspected and scored at 1 and 2 years. Cross-sectional examination of descriptives and bi/multivariate analysis followed. Results: Majority (63%) were males. Caries were diagnosed in 77.9% of children with only 1% deemed caries-free. Hence, mean DMFs/t was 9.3±6.1/7.2±5.1, respectively. At 2 years, 66% of sealants were completely retained and 11% completely lost. Analysis revealed higher sealant survival in mandibular teeth. Conclusions: Fluoride-releasing resin sealant is an effectual preventive tool especially in such a high carious population