Introduction: Fluorides are very effective in reducing the number of carious lesions occurring on smooth enamel and cement surfaces. Unfortunately, they are not as efficient in protecting the occlusal grooves and fossae, where most carious lesions are present. Considering that occlusal surfaces represent only 12% of the total tooth surface area, this means that grooves and fossae are about eight times more vulnerable than smooth surfaces. Placing sealant materials represents a highly efficient means of prevention. The principal aim of the paper is to reveal the importance of this technique for assuring a better retention and a successful sealing, therefore some relevant cases are presented. Materials and methods: The present study, conducted over a period of 2 years (2019-2021), included 32 children and 59 teeth, following the evolution of the sealed occlusal surfaces of 6 year-old molars that met the criteria for sealant application. For each patient, a treatment plan is proposed after complete anamnesis and dental examination. Sealant of different types are applied and analyzed. Results and discussion: The factors that caused failure of the operation (air bubbles, porosities and cavities left under the sealant) were identified and analyzed; equally, the advantages offered by one of the materials used (Fissurit F light-curing sealant) were outlined. Conclusions: The study showed that, after one year, the retention of resins is superior to that of glass ionomer cements, namely the complete retention of the Fissurit F material is 83.9%; in 9.7% of cases, the sealant is partially detached, and in 6.5% of cases the sealant is missing.
Keywords:- composite
- decay
- dentistry
- prophylaxy
- sealant