On the use of fissure sealants in caries prevention. A clinical study.

The aim of the present study was to clarify in the light of a clinical investigation on 6-7 years old children, some questions concerning the use of fissure sealants in public dental care. The results of the study conducted with the Nuva-Seal R (L.D. Caulk, Milford, Del.) compound suggested a caries decrease of 84 per cent one year, and 53 per cent two years after sealant application to permanent teeth. In deciduous teeth the reduction was rather similar. Totally or partially lost sealants were not reapplied or repaired during the investigation. It is obvious that the sealants are, in most cases, apt to postpone the need of restorative treatment for a limited period of time only. Postponement may, however, be considered to achieve some advantages as compared with conventional or prophylactic filling procedures.