A comparison of Fluroshield with Delton fissure sealant: four year results.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the retention rate and the caries increment differences between a light cured, F releasing filled fissure sealant and a non-F nonfilled one. METHODS The two different fissure sealants (Fluoroshield, Delton) were placed on all 4 caries-free first permanent molars of 112 children aged 7-8 years, under a half-mouth experimental design. All the children were seen in 6 month intervals where a preventive program, including regular topical fluoride application was applied. The sealants were not reapplied if they had been lost between examinations. RESULTS After 48 months 162 teeth in the F sealant group and 162 in the conventional sealant group were evaluated. Regarding sealant retention, 124 teeth (77%) in the first group and 144 (89%) in the second were fully sealed, and 23 (14%) compared to 9 (6%) were partly sealed (P = 0.01). Regarding caries development, 14 teeth (9%) had developed caries in the first group and 19 (10%) in the second (P > 0.1). CONCLUSION In a regular biannual preventing program including topical gel application, F-releasing filled sealant (Fluroshield) appears to have a declined full retention rate, after four years, when compared with a non-F nonfilled one (Delton). However, total sealant loss and caries increment was similar in both groups.