On the retention and effectiveness of fissure sealant in permanent molars after 15-20 years: a cohort study

The aim of the present study was to clinically evaluate fissure sealants on the occlusal fissures and buccal pits of permanent first and second molars after 20 and 15 years, respectively. The population consisted of 72 childr en, each of whom had had their four first molars sealed between 1977 and 19 80. At the annual examinations, all caries-free, newly erupted second molar s were sealed. When sealant was applied to the second molars, the first mol ars were checked and sealant was reapplied to those that had deficient seal ants. At the follow-up, when the subjects were 26-27 years of age, 27 in th e original group had moved from the community. Thus, the present result is based on 45 subjects. One hundred and fifty-three sealed first molars and 1 61 sealed second molars were available for inspection. At the follow-up exa mination of the first molars 20 years after sealant had been applied, 65% s howed complete retention, 22% partial retention without caries, and 13% car ies or restoration in the occlusal fissures or buccal pits. At the 15-year follow-up of the second molars, the corresponding figures were 65%, 30%, an d 5%, respectively Of the restored or carious molars, significantly more we re found in the mandible than in the maxilla (P<0.001). This longitudinal s tudy showed that pit and fissure sealants-applied during childhood-have a l ong lasting, caries-preventive effect.