This RCT study aims to establish evidence-based decision comparing between self-adhering flowable composite Vertise™ Flow (Kerr, Orange, CA, USA) and conventional resin-based pits \& fissure sealant Helioseal-F sealant (Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein) with and without fissurotomy in sealant retention and prevention of occlusal pits and fissures caries in first permanent molars over a 12-month follow-up.
This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the retention and clinical performance of a self-adhering flowable composite and a conventional resin-based pit and fissure sealant, applied with and without fissurotomy, in newly erupted permanent first molars of children aged 6-8 years. Occlusal pits and fissures are highly susceptible to dental caries in children, and long-term sealant effectiveness is strongly dependent on material retention and technique sensitivity. Self-adhering flowable composites offer simplified application with fewer clinical steps and may improve retention, especially in pediatric patients. Eighty-eight children will be randomly allocated into four parallel groups (1:1:1:1): self-adhering flowable composite with fissurotomy, self-adhering flowable composite without fissurotomy, conventional resin-based sealant with fissurotomy, and conventional resin-based sealant without fissurotomy. Sealant retention will be assessed as the primary outcome using Simonsen's criteria, while secondary outcomes include caries development, marginal discoloration, and marginal integrity evaluated using Ryge criteria. Clinical evaluations will be performed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. The findings of this study aim to provide evidence-based guidance on the optimal material and technique for pit and fissure sealing in children, potentially improving sealant longevity, reducing occlusal caries incidence, and enhancing preventive pediatric dental care.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
88
1. Pits and fissures will be prepared using a Micro STF fissurotomy bur (SS White Burs Inc., Lakewood, NJ, USA) on a high-speed hand piece, the bur will be moved along all the occlusal fissures with a gentle force applied. (Bagherian et al., 2013) 2. Then washing and drying the tooth with compressed air. 3. Then self-adhering flowable composite (Vertise Flow, Kerr, Orange, CA, USA) with an A2 shade will be applied on occlusal fissures in 0.5mm and brushed on preparation for 15-20sec using a micro-brush with moderate pressure. (Sabbagh et al., 2017; Sharma et al., 2018) 4. Excess material around the margins will be removed. 5. After ensuring that there are no bubbles, the sealant will be cured for 20 seconds by light cure. (Woodpecker RTA Mini S, China). 6. If necessary, another layer will be applied and cured for 20 seconds.
1. Before applying Vertise Flow, surface pretreatment according to the manufacturers' recommendations for uncut enamel.(Kucukyilmaz and Savas, 2015) Using 37.5 % phosphoric acid gel Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein) for 30-60 seconds according to the manufacturer's instructions, rinsed for 60 seconds and air-dried with oil- and water-free air spray using clean compressed air until observing the chalky white appearance. 2. Then self-adhering flowable composite (Vertise Flow, Kerr, Orange, CA, USA) with an A2 shade will be applied in 0.5mm and brushed on fissures for 15-20sec using a micro-brush with moderate pressure.(Sabbagh et al., 2017; Sharma et al., 2018) 3. Remove excess material around the margins. 4. After ensuring that there are no bubbles, the sealant will be cured for 20 seconds by light cure. (Woodpecker RTA Mini S, China). 5. If necessary, another layer will be applied and cured for 20 seconds.
1. Pits and fissures will be prepared using a Micro STF fissurotomy bur (SS White Burs Inc., Lakewood, NJ, USA) on a high-speed hand piece, the bur will be moved along all the occlusal fissures with a gentle force applied. (Bagherian et al., 2013) 2. Then the occlusal surface of the teeth will be dried and etched with 37% phosphoric acid (Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein) for 15-30 seconds according to the manufacturer's instructions, rinsed for 30 seconds and air-dried with oil- and water-free air spray using clean compressed air until observing the chalky white appearance. 3. Helioseal-F sealant (Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein) will be applied and directed into the pits and fissures by a sterile explorer to check that there are no air bubbles and light cured for 40 seconds by light cure. (Woodpecker RTA Mini S, China).
1. The occlusal surface of the teeth will be dried and etched with 37% phosphoric acid (Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein) for 30-60 seconds according to the manufacturer's instructions, rinsed for 30 seconds and air-dried with oil- and water-free air spray using clean compressed air until observing the chalky white appearance. 2. Helioseal-F sealant (Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein) will be applied and directed into the pits and fissures by a sterile explorer to check that there are no air bubbles and light cured for 40 seconds by light cure. (Woodpecker RTA Mini S, China )
Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University
Cairo, State/Province *, Egypt
Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University
Cairo, State/Province *, Egypt
Sealant retention
Simonsen's criteria Score 1: Complete retention Score 2: Partial loss Score 3: Complete loss
Time frame: 3,6,12 months
Presence of Caries
Ryge criteria Alpha: Absence of caries Bravo: Prescence of caries
Time frame: 3,6,12 months
Marginal discoloration
Ryge criteria Alpha: No discoloration anywhere on the margin around the sealant. Bravo: Visible partial discoloration on the margin around sealant. Charlie: Visible discoloration on the margin around all sealant.
Time frame: 3,6,12 months
Marginal Integrity
Ryge criteria Alpha: Sealant had full adaptation to the adjacent tooth structure. Bravo: Evidence of gap detected by the tip of an explorer.
Time frame: 3,6,12 months
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