Long-term evaluation of sealants applied with an invasive technique

Abstract

To study the retention of sealants applied to the permanent molars using an invasive technique. Sealants containing fillers were applied to 739 first permanent molars using an invasive technique. After a minimum period of 6 months (mean time lapse after treatment, 63.5 months; range 6 - 121 months), the overall retention, marginal integrity, and marginal discolouration were evaluated according to the period after treatment, the operator's experience, and the location of the tooth (maxillary or mandibular). The overall retention was 93.78%. The sealants and marginal integrity deteriorated with time and with less clinical experience. However, there was no significant difference between the maxillary and the mandibular teeth. Marginal discolouration occurred more frequently in the maxilla with time but there was no significant difference with the operator's experience. The retention rate and marginal integrity of sealants decreased with time and with less clinical experience of the operator, and more marginal discolouration developed in the maxillary teeth with time in comparison to the mandibular teeth.