Abstract

PRADOS ATIENZA, María Belén et al. Effectiveness of fissure sealant and fluoride varnish on different tooth surfaces: A 24-month field trial. RCOE [online]. 2002, vol.7, n.2, pp.167-174. ISSN 1138-123X.

Introduction and purpose: The purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined program with fissure sealant and fluoride varnish in permanent first molars, compared with the two isolated programs. Patients and Method: A field trial was initiated in the school-year 96/97 in the province of Granada (Spain), with four groups of 6-7yr old children: Sealant (n=129), Sealant + Fluoride (n=140), Fluoride (n=153) and Control (n=120). Children were explored in the schools every six months. The caries increment in permanent first molars, in total and by different surfaces, were calculated. Comparisons by pairs of groups were performed, with the calculation of caries percent reductions. Results and Conclusiones: Sealants do no produce a significant caries reduction on non-fissured surfaces, neither did fluoride varnish in fissured surfaces. The combined sealant and fluoride varnish allows for a higher protection on non-fissured surfaces in permanent first molars, when compared to the sealant program (a 76,9% caries reduction). 

Keywords : Dental caries; Pit and fissure sealant; Fluoride varnish.