2 - Sealant Efficacy in Permanent Molars with vs without Bonding Agent

Purpose: The aim of this clinical study is to evaluate the efficacy of sealants placed on permanent first molars using bonding agent versus without bonding agent. Assessment criteria include sealant retention, marginal integrity, and caries prevention.

Methods: This split-mouth study included 148 children aged 5 to 13 years with four non-carious, fully erupted permanent first molars. All four permanent first molars were sealed in each patient using a dental isolation adaptor (Isovac®, Zyris, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA, USA) for isolation. The right molars were sealed utilizing a bonding agent prior to sealant application. The left molars only had sealant applied following acid etching. Sealant retention, marginal integrity, and caries incidence were assessed at each subsequent recall visit at 6, 12, and 18 months.

Results: There was no difference in sealant retention (P=0.78), marginal integrity (P=0.67), or caries prevention (P=0.17) at an 18 month recall in teeth sealed with or without bond. At 6, 12, and 18 month recalls primary caries development for bonded and non-bonded teeth was low.

Conclusion: Using a bonding agent before applying sealant on permanent first molars does not enhance sealant retention or marginal integrity. This study demonstrates clinical effectivity of sealants, both with and without bonding, in preventing caries in children with mixed and young permanent dentitions.