Effectiveness of a glass ionomer cement used as a pit and fissure sealant in recently erupted permanent first molars

Abstract

Purpose: This study's purpose was to evaluate the caries-preventive effect of a glass ionomer cement (GIC) used as an occlusal sealant on recently erupted permanent first molars.

Methods: A double-blind, randomized, controlled, clinical trial was undertaken that included 36 5- to 8-year-olds (and 92 permanent first molars) who were randomly allocated to the test group (GIC) or the control group (auto-polymerized resin-based sealant [RBS]). The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the number of new carious or filled occlusal surfaces in the 2 groups.

Results: After 6 months, 1 occlusal surface in the test group and 2 occlusal surfaces in the control group showed carious lesions (P=.15). In the fifth year of follow-up, 2 occlusal surfaces in the test group and 7 occlusal surfaces in the control group were filled or carious (P=.42), and the mean number of sealed surfaces that became carious or filled was 0.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.02-0.70) for the GIC-sealed teeth and 0.6 (95% CI=0.20-1.30) for the RBS-sealed teeth (P=.30).

Conclusion: High-viscosity glass ionomer cement can provide some level of protection against dental caries when used as a dental sealant in newly erupted permanent first molars.