Clinical Evaluation of the Retention of Fissure Sealants Applied Following Guided Biofilm Therapy and Conventional Polishing

This randomized split-mouth clinical trial will compare two methods of occlusal surface cleaning before pit and fissure sealant placement in children aged 6-10 years. In each participant, eligible permanent first molars will receive either erythritol-based Guided Biofilm Therapy or conventional rotary-brush polishing before phosphoric acid etching and placement of the same resin-based sealant. Each child will receive both interventions on opposite sides of the mouth. The sealants will be followed for up to 36 months to determine whether the surface-cleaning method influences sealant retention and clinical performance. Procedure-related discomfort will also be compared between the two methods.