Clinical and SEM assessment of ART high-viscosity glass-ionomer sealants after 8-13 years in 4 teeth

Objectives: Resin composite sealants are retained longer than low-viscosity glass-ionomer sealants. Nevertheless, a systematic review showed that there is no evidence that resin composite sealants are superior to low-viscosity glass-ionomers in preventing dentine carious lesion development. This case study aimed to investigate reasons for this. Methods: 4 teeth were sealed with 2 brands of high-viscosity glass-ionomer according to the ART technique in 2 children aged 10 and 11.5 years, having a low caries-risk status, and followed clinically for between 8 and 13 years. At the final year, impressions were taken for SEM images that were assessed by two evaluators. Results: Pits and fissures that were clinically diagnosed as free of sealant material appeared to contain remnants of high-viscosity glass-ionomer sealant material in the deeper parts of pits and fissures, on SEM images of 3 teeth. Conclusion: This study confirms the likelihood that remnants of high-viscosity glass-ionomer sealant material are retained and block the deeper parts of pits and fissures even after the sealant appears to have disappeared clinically, exercising their carious lesion preventive effect. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.