A radomised control trial of the effectiveness of an intermediate bonding agent on the retention of fissure sealants

Abstract

Resin pit and fissure sealants are an effective preventative method of reducing caries in permanent molar teeth. The preventative effect is reduced because the retention of fissure sealant falls by 10-21% annually. The loss of retention on the buccal surface of mandibular molar teeth and palatal surface of the maxillary molar teeth is greater than the loss of retention on the occlusal surfaces. This high retention loss is a serious clinical problem. The teeth are once again at risk of developing caries. The time and cost implication of replacing the sealants is high and is a significant problem for the public dental health service.