SEALANT-DK: Longevity and Efficacy of 6 Resin Sealants Used for Sealing Permanent Teeth in Children and Adolescents

Background: Occlusal caries is the main reason for restorative therapy in the young permanent dentition, but restorations have limited survival time and may also weaken the tooth. An intact fissure sealing is an effective preventive treatment of occlusal caries lesions and may be used therapeutically to arrest the caries progression. However, the major challenge with fissure sealants is the frequent need for re-treatments, mostly due to inadequate retention. Purpose: To quantify the longevity and effectiveness of the 6 resin sealants used prophylactically and therapeutically in permanent molar teeth. Study design: The study is carried out as a prospective, clinically controlled study with split-mouth design, where each of the 60 dentists/dental hygienists from 13 municipalities in Denmark uses 2 of the 6 sealants. The treatments are examined clinically and radiologically after 1, 2, 3, and 5 years.