Retention in fissure resin-based sealants in schoolchildren: the etching step importance.

Abstract

Randomized controlled trial. Forty-seven schoolchildren aged 9-10 years with fully sound/noncavitated erupted first permanent molars were included and randomly allocated in control and experimental groups in a split-mouth design. 47 schoolchildren (94 molars) fissure sealants applied using self-etch universal adhesive system. 47 schoolchildren (94 molars) fissure sealants applied using conventional acid-etching technique. Retention of sealants and secondary caries incidence (ICDAS). Chi-square test. Conventional acid-etch sealants retention was superior to self-etch after 6 and 24 months (p < 0.001), but no differences were found in caries incidence after 6 and 24 months (p > 0.05). Clinical retention of fissure sealants using conventional acid-etch technique is greater than self-etch.