Objective: To evaluate the retention and caries preventive effect of two glass ionomers used as fissure sealants: one resin modified glass ionomer (A) and one conventional glass-ionomer cement (B).
Samples and methods: The permanent first molars of 100 children, 6-8 years of age at the start of the study, were sealed. Material A was applied on one side (right side, upper, and lower) and material B was applied on the contralateral side (left side, upper, and lower) of the mouth. The control group was composed of 108 children who did not receive fissure sealant but received oral health education. After 5 years, 64.0% of the children of the experimental group and 73.0% of the children of the control group were available for reexamination.
Results: Material A was completely lost in 74.2% and material B in 89.0% (Wilcoxon matched pairs test, P < 0.05). Total retention rate was 1.6% for materials A and B. After 5 years, caries increment was 21.5% for the experimental group and 34.2% for the control group (chi2-test, P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Sealing pits and fissures with glass-ionomer cements was effective in preventing caries.