A field trial of resin-based and glass-ionomer fissure sealants:: clinical and radiographic assessment of caries

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to provide further data for comparison of retention and caries-preventive effect of a resin-based sealant (Delton(R)), and a glass-ionomer sealant (Fuji III(R)). Methods: The study was conducted in the municipality of Vaerlose located 15 km north of Copenhagen, Denmark in the period 1996-2001. The study comprised 153 children aged 8-13 years with a total of 364 site-pairs. Caries was diagnosed both clinically and radiographically, and sealant retention was diagnosed clinically. Sealants were placed either by one of four dentists, who had the responsibility for the children's dental care, by a dental hygienist or a dental assistant. Mean follow-up time was 38-39 months for sites on first permanent molars and 28-29 months for sites on second permanent molars. Results: The retention rates were consistently, and considerably lower for Fuji III(R) than for Delton(R). Relative risks of caries in Delton(R)-sealed teeth over Fuji III(R)-sealed teeth was 0.435 (95% CI 0.150-0.846) based on the clinical diagnosis, and 0.559 (95% CI 0.342-0.905) based on the radiographic diagnosis. The ratio of the relative risks (clinical over radiographic diagnosis) was close to 1 (0.778; 95% CI 0.272-1.481). Conclusion: In the present study, Delton(R)-sealed teeth had a lower risk than Fuji III(R)-sealed teeth of developing caries, independent of the caries diagnostic method used.