Comparative Assessment of Compomers and Ormocers as Pit and Fissure Sealants in Permanent Molars among Children Aged 7-9 Years.

Abstract

In recent years, the dental profession's focus has shifted from the therapeutic to the preventive aspect of dental caries. Pit and fissure sealants, optimal fluoridation, healthy dietary habits, and good oral hygiene have been recommended for caries prevention. Many sealant materials are available on the market. Compomers are hybrid dental materials that are modified composite resins with polyacids. The esthetic properties of traditional composite systems are combined with the fluoride-releasing and adhesive properties of glass ionomer cement (GIC). Organically modified ceramic (Ormocer) material has high abrasion resistance and better aesthetics, similar to natural teeth. To compare the sealing ability of compomer and ormocer as pit and fissure sealants in permanent mandibular first molars of 7-9-year-old children. A cross-sectional study with a split-mouth design was conducted on 88 children aged 7-9 years who attended the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. Children were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. By tossing a coin, the placement of sealant material was selected for the right permanent first molar. Rubber dam isolation was done. The tooth surface was etched and washed. The respective sealants were applied. Sealants were cured with visible light, and occlusion was checked with articulating paper. Subsequently, the second sealant was placed in the next appointment, following the same clinical procedure in the opposite quadrant. Clinical evaluation was done at 3, 6, and 9 months for retention, marginal integrity, color match, wear, and presence of caries. The criteria were graded and rated as alpha, beta, and charlie based on modified Ryge United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. All the data were statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software 20.0. The retention rate of ormocer at the 9-month review interval was 88.3%. There was a statistically significant difference in retention rates between compomer and ormocer (p = 0.003). The marginal integrity and wear of ormocer at the 9-month review interval were 84.4% compared with compomer, which was statistically significant with p = 0.010 and p = 0.035, respectively. Children with the fewest caries belonged to the ormocer group (p = 0.010) compared to the compomer group. Children with ormocer as a pit and fissure sealant showed good retention, remarkable marginal integrity, absence of wear, and fewer dental caries compared to compomer sealants. Hence, ormocer-based sealants can be used in pediatric dental practice to protect children's oral hygiene and promote a healthy lifestyle. Saravanan SM, Srinivasan D, AR SE, et al. Comparative Assessment of Compomers and Ormocers as Pit and Fissure Sealants in Permanent Molars among Children Aged 7-9 Years. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(7):742-747.