Clinical evaluation of a polyacid-modified resin used as a fissure sealant: 48-month results

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of occlusal caries and the rates of rete ntion using Variglass VLC (polyacid-modified resin) as an occlusal sealant. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 185 school children (6-8 yr -old), with sound unsealed permanent first molars. Sealants were applied on the upper and lower first molars from a randomly chosen hemiarch (N=370 te eth). The follow-up was conducted at 6, 12 and 48 months examining 343 (93% ), 290 (78%) and 187 (51%) teeth, respectively. Results: After 48 months, t otal retention of the material was noted in only 5% of the teeth. The prese nce of sealant in 2/3 and 1/3 of the pit extension was verified in 8% and 1 4% of the teeth, respectively, while 73% of the sealed teeth had no sealant present on the occlusal surface. Caries incidence, measured by the presenc e of dental caries and restorations, was 16% representing an annual increas e of 4%.