Comparison of effectiveness of traditional acid etching and of the self-etching agent in sealant retention: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction: The caries-preventive effect of pit and fissure sealants was demonstrated in the 1970s and the 1980s with randomized clinical trials using parallel groups or split-mouth designs. In new self-etching (SE) adhesive systems, rinsing and drying steps are eliminated which have made etching easier and have resulted in more patient acceptability. Aim: To evaluate sealant retention, following application of SE adhesive and traditional acid etching (TAE) were carried out among 6–13 years old schoolchildren in Bengaluru city. Materials and Methods: Lower first molars were allotted to either SE adhesive group or TAE group based on lottery method, using a split-mouth technique. The sealants were evaluated for the retention based on modified color coverage caries criteria at the end of 6-month interval by a blinded examiner. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon tests (P < 0.05). Results: No statistically significant difference was seen in the retention of fissure sealants placed on occlusal surfaces following the use of an SE bonding agent and traditional phosphoric acid etching technique, after 6 months. Conclusions: SE adhesive used for sealing permanent molars of young children for a limited period, should be reviewed every 6 months