Database: MEDLINE <: biomedical, nursing & dental literature, 1960 - Dec 2000.> Search Strategy (You Saved Citations 1-94 From Set 60): ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 "Pit and fissure sealants"/ 1835 2 ((dental or tooth or teeth or fissure$1 or pit$1) adj5 1906 (seal$1 or sealant$1 or sealing)).mp. 3 or/1-2 2189 4 exp Glass ionomer cements/ 2837 5 (glass adj ionomer).mp. 3026 6 ((polyalkenoate or cermet) adj3 cement$1).mp. 309 7 (ketac adj silver adj3 cement$1).mp. 19 8 or/4-7 3063 9 or/3,8 5088 10 exp Tooth demineralization/ 22727 11 demineralization.mp. 1642 12 caries.mp. 15378 13 caires.mp. 1 14 craies.mp. 0 15 careis.mp. 4 16 carise.mp. 0 17 (teeth adj3 cavit:).mp. 424 18 (tooth adj3 cavit:).mp. 217 19 (dental adj3 cavit:).mp. 277 20 (dentin adj3 cavit:).mp. 256 21 (enamel adj3 cavit:).mp. 183 22 (teeth adj3 decay:).mp. 382 23 (tooth adj3 decay:).mp. 325 24 (dental adj3 decay:).mp. 252 25 (dentin adj3 decay:).mp. 12 26 (enamel adj3 decay:).mp. 20 27 (active adj decay).mp. 9 28 (rampant adj3 decay:).mp. 14 29 (recurrent adj3 decay:).mp. 30 30 (white adj spot:).mp. 517 31 carious.mp. 2088 32 cariology.ti,ab. 56 33 (non-cavitated adj3 lesion:).mp. 15 34 (noncavitated adj3 lesion:).mp. 2 35 Tooth remineralization/ 480 36 (dental adj3 fissure:).mp. 100 37 (tooth adj3 fissure:).mp. 51 38 (teeth adj3 fissure:).mp. 98 39 caries-free.mp. 607 40 cariesfree.mp. 17 41 Cariogenic agents/ 730 42 precavit:.mp. 8 43 (filled adj3 teeth).mp. 518 44 (filled adj3 tooth).mp. 117 45 (oral adj fissure:).mp. 6 46 (tooth adj3 remineraliz:).mp. 28 47 (teeth adj3 remineraliz:).mp. 24 48 dft.mp. 420 49 dfs.mp. 1286 50 dmf:.mp. 6429 51 cariogeni:.mp. 1794 52 or/10-51 32447 53 (disease adj free adj (survival or patient:)).mp. 6954 54 52 not 53 31603 55 9 and 54 1867 56 limit 55 to (human and english language and yr=1980-2001) 1221 57 limit 56 to (adolescence < 13 to 18 years > or adult < 19 415 to 44 years > or middle age < 45 to 64 years > or "aged < 65 and over >" or "aged, < 80 and over >") 58 "Root caries"/ 301 59 exp Tooth root/ 7060 60 57 not (58 or 59) 394 61 from 60 keep 1-300 300 62 from 60 keep 301-394 94 *************************** <1> UI - 90167516 AU - Cohen L AU - Sheiham A TI - The status of fissure sealant teaching in British dental schools. SO - Community Dental Health 1989 Dec;6(4):365-75 AB - The purpose of this report is to document the current status of the teaching of pit and fissure sealants in British dental schools. Survey responses were received from 88.9 per cent of the surveyed programmes, 87.5 per cent of surveyed staff and 77.8 per cent of surveyed dental schools representing 52.4 per cent of all surveyed students. All schools were providing instruction on pit and fissure sealants with departments of Child Dental Health having primary responsibility for teaching at most of them. Students estimated that 61.3 per cent of their child patients were receiving sealants. Staff and students gave both classroom and clinical sealant training favourable ratings. Similarly, the majority of staff and student respondents perceived that other staff and students considered sealants to be of value. Staff knowledge of sealants was generally accurate, while students displayed a larger percentage of incorrect or unsure responses. Both staff and students expressed generally positive attitudes toward sealants. Both groups also gave favourable ratings to the overall preventive orientation of their schools. The student's projected sealant use in practice was explained best by the combination of student attitudes toward sealants and their evaluation of the overall preventive orientation of their dental school. <2> UI - 90146141 AU - Wei SH AU - Tang LK AU - King NM IN - Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics, University of Hong Kong. TI - Aesthetic anterior restorations for children and young adults. [Review] [24 refs] SO - Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 1989 Sep;18(5):573-84 AB - Indications for aesthetic anterior restorations include caries, trauma, congenital enamel defects, unaesthetic contour and shape of teeth, tooth discolouration and minor tooth malalignment. Conventional Class III, IV or V cavities can be restored with third and fourth generation composite resins, while glass ionomer cement can be used to restore Class III or V cavities. Laboratory fabricated resin or porcelain veneers enable major shape or colour adjustments of the labial surfaces of anterior teeth. They may be used to treat unaesthetic defects on the tooth surface, moderate to severe tooth discolouration and minor tooth malalignments. The clinical techniques of these restorative treatment modalities have been presented. [References: 24] <3> UI - 90108392 AU - Dunlap JE TI - A closer look at sealants. SO - Dental Economics 1989 Jul;79(7):65-6, 68, 70-1 <4> UI - 90094833 AU - Schaeken MJ AU - van der Hoeven JS AU - Hendriks JC IN - Explore, Multi Disciplinary Research Group, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. TI - Effects of varnishes containing chlorhexidine on the human dental plaque flora. SO - Journal of Dental Research 1989 Dec;68(12):1786-9 AB - This study describes the effects of varnishes containing 0%, 10%, 20%, or 40% chlorhexidine diacetate on the microflora of human fissure dental plaque. Sandarac, a natural resin, was used as the varnish base. Ten subjects, each with at least four sound fissures harboring high levels of Streptococcus mutans, participated in the study. The fissures in each of the individuals were randomly assigned to four experimental groups, in each of which one of the varnishes was tested. The varnish treatment consisted of a single application of a small amount of varnish onto the fissures. Apart from the selected fissures, the rest of the dentition was left untreated. All chlorhexidine-containing varnishes selectively suppressed S. mutans in fissure plaque, and had no effect on total viable counts or on the numbers of Actinomyces viscosus/naeslundii and Streptococcus sanguis beyond one week. The extent of the suppression depended upon the concentration of chlorhexidine in the varnish, 40% chlorhexidine varnish giving the greatest suppression of S. mutans. At 22 weeks, after a single treatment with varnish containing 40% chlorhexidine, mean S. mutans counts were more than ten times lower than in the control or 10%-chlorhexidine varnish group. At that time, S. mutans was still undetectable in five out of ten experimental fissures in this group. The results suggested that sandarac varnishes containing high concentrations of chlorhexidine can be used successfully for long-term suppression of S. mutans in dental fissures. <5> UI - 90040392 AU - Ismail AI AU - King W AU - Clark DC IN - Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada. TI - An evaluation of the Saskatchewan pit and fissure sealant program: a longitudinal followup. SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1989 Fall;49(4):206-11 AB - The Saskatchewan Health Dental Plan (SHDP) is a publicly funded dental insurance program for children between the ages of five and 16 years residing in the province. In 1981, fissure sealants were added as a covered expense. Until September 1, 1987, sealants and other dental treatments covered under the SHDP were provided to schoolchildren by dental therapists in dental clinics established in elementary schools throughout the province. After September 1, 1987, the provision of dental services was transferred to private practitioners in the province. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the retention rates of sealants after one, two, and three years of placement; and (2) conduct a longitudinal followup of sealed and unsealed sound teeth to measure the effectiveness of sealants in reducing dental caries incidence. Relative to the first objective, a cohort of children was identified and comparisons were carried out for the periods of 1982-83, 1982-84, and 1982-85. For the last objective, a longitudinal evaluation of effectiveness was carried out only for children five to seven years of age in 1981. Saskatchewan children, who experienced higher caries prevalence than children in the United States, had the highest caries increments on occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth. About 79 percent of the sealants applied by dental therapists were retained three years after application. Sealed teeth experienced 46 percent less caries than unsealed teeth four years after the application of sealants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) <6> UI - 90040407 AU - Weintraub JA IN - Department of Dental Ecology, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7450. TI - The effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants. [Review] [93 refs] SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1989;49(5 Spec No):317-30 AB - This review addresses two major issues related to the use of pit and fissure sealants. First, the epidemiology of occlusal caries for children and adults is examined to determine if there is a basis for administering sealant programs to different age groups. Second, the effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants in fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities is compared. Changes in effectiveness of sealant over time are evaluated in terms of percent effectiveness, complete retention, caries incidence, and reapplication rates. Based on epidemiologic evidence, sealant programs can be justified for children and young adults, but not for older age groups. Based on the literature reviewed, following one application of autopolymerized or visible-light-cured sealant, the median percent effectiveness declines from 83 percent after one year to 55 percent after seven years. Similarly, the median complete retention declines from 92 percent after one year to 66 percent after seven years. Conversely, the median percent of sealed first molars becoming carious and/or restored increases from 4 percent after one year to 31 percent after seven years. Large differences in sealant effectiveness are not apparent between studies performed in fluoridated and fluoride-deficient communities. [References: 93] <7> UI - 89256216 AU - Weerheijm KL AU - van Amerongen WE AU - Eggink CO IN - Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Academic Center of Dentistry, Amsterdam. TI - The clinical diagnosis of occlusal caries: a problem. SO - ASDC Journal of Dentistry for Children 1989 May-Jun;56(3):196-200 AB - The problem of the diagnosis of occlusal caries is discussed on the basis of a pilot study. Out of twenty-six selected molars and premolars with a virtually intact enamel cover, twenty were found to be affected by occlusal caries extending into the dentine. In six cases in which the enamel was covered by a sealant, dentinal caries could not be excluded. Two teeth had a sound enamel surface in spite of the presence of much dentine caries. The bitewing radiographs of these cases showed a distinct radiolucency. Until it becomes possible to diagnose occlusal caries more effectively, the combination of bitewing radiograph and clinical examination with mirror, light, and probe is to be regarded as optimal. The dentist in general practice should keep in mind that even a tooth classified as clinically sound may contain extensive dentinal caries. The prevalence of this form of caries should be investigated further, and the search for better diagnostic aids should continue. <8> UI - 89256210 AU - De Craene GP AU - Martens LC AU - Dermaut LR AU - Surmont PA IN - Department of Pedodontics, State University of Ghent, Belgium. TI - A clinical evaluation of a light-cured fissure sealant (Helioseal). [Review] [42 refs] SO - ASDC Journal of Dentistry for Children 1989 Mar-Apr;56(2):97-102 AB - The clinical success of pit and fissure sealants has been reported by several authors. In this study a white-shaded, visible-light-cured sealant was used; the results of the clinical evaluation confirmed this finding. Concerning retention rate, marginal adaptation, and the presence of secondary caries and air bubbles, good results were obtained. Data indicate that a visible- light-cured sealant (Helioseal) appears to be as good as the self-cured sealants and better than the UV-light-cured products. A comparison was also made between the invasive (PFSI) and non-invasive (PFS) application techniques; with respect to the marginal adaptation and the presence of air bubbles, better results were found for fissures that had been enlarged as a preventive measure. More longitudinal studies over a longer period of time are necessary. [References: 42] <9> UI - 89127976 AU - Fan-Hsu JC AU - Handelman SL TI - Patients' knowledge of caries prevention. A study. SO - New York State Dental Journal 1989 Feb;55(2):28-30 AB - This study explored the caries prevention awareness of a population of regular dental patients. Although regular dental patients have an overall high knowledge about certain aspects of caries population, they do not have accurate information about fluoride, tooth-brushing and minimal knowledge about sealants. Establishing the patients' knowledge of the prevention of tooth decay is important in determining strategies and implementation of public health education programs and education programs in individual dental offices. <10> UI - 89094748 AU - Kuthy RA AU - Ashton JJ IN - Section of Community Dentistry, Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus 43210. TI - Eruption pattern of permanent molars: implications for school-based dental sealant programs. SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1989 Winter;49(1):7-14 AB - Dental caries remains a prevalent, chronic disease of childhood. The preponderance of dental caries is located on the pit and fissure surfaces of teeth, an area where dental sealants are most effective in preventing this malady. In the school year 1987-88, 4,879 Ohio schoolchildren participated in an assessment of dental health. Grades chosen for this assessment included 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 11. This study focuses on eruption of first and second permanent molars in development of a timing strategy for placement of occlusal sealants in a school-based program. An eruption score was developed for the determination of the first or second molar eruption status for each child. The data were analyzed for grade, sex, race, locale, fluoridation status, and percent of children on free or reduced-cost lunch programs. Analyses were performed on 2,215 children in grades 1-3 and 1,840 children in grades 6-8. Fifty-seven percent of first graders had all first permanent molars sufficiently erupted for sealant placement on the occlusal surface. Likewise, 23.6 percent of sixth graders had sufficient occlusal exposure on the second molar. Females showed an earlier eruption pattern than males for both first (P less than .05) and second (P less than .001) molars. Black children preceded white children only in the eruption of the second molar (P less than .001). This study provides dental public health decision makers with state-specific information on the earliest time to initiate a school-based occlusal sealant program.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) <11> UI - 89094743 AU - Lang P AU - Woolfolk MW AU - Faja BW IN - Department of Prevention and Health Care, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-1078. TI - Oral health knowledge and attitudes of elementary schoolteachers in Michigan. SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1989 Winter;49(1):44-50 AB - Teachers at elementary schools in two areas (urban and rural) of Michigan were surveyed to determine their sources of information about oral health and their knowledge and attitudes about dental diseases and disease prevention. Questionnaires were completed by 404 teachers (62% response rate). More than 80 percent of respondents from both areas were female. Demographic characteristics that were significantly different between groups included: median ages of urban and rural respondents (P less than .01), median numbers of years in teaching (P less than .01), and median years in residence (P less than .03). Despite these differences, responses to the questionnaire varied little. For both groups, the most frequently cited sources of information about dental health were dentist's office (82%), followed by magazines and books (74%). The teachers considered preventing tooth decay as the most important reason for good oral hygiene. When asked to rank the effectiveness of ten methods of preventing caries in children, teachers ranked efficacious methods such as fluoridated water and pit and fissure sealants lower than making regular dental visits and reducing intake of sugared foods. Asked to rank the most effective method for children to receive fluoride, urban respondents ranked fluoridated water first, while rural respondents ranked this measure third. Findings suggest that teachers' knowledge about oral health and current methods of prevention is incomplete, is inaccurate in some instances, and varies little by geographic area. <12> UI - 90192406 AU - Houpt M AU - Fuks A AU - Eidelman E AU - Shey Z TI - Composite/sealant restoration: 6 1/2-year results. SO - Pediatric Dentistry 1988 Dec;10(4):304-6 <13> UI - 90068854 AU - Nickerson A TI - Sealants in a school-based preventive program: a six-month evaluation. SO - Quintessence International 1988 Aug;19(8):565-9 <14> UI - 89114569 AU - Wendt LK AU - Koch G IN - Institute for Postgraduate Dental Education, Jonkoping, Sweden. TI - Fissure sealant in permanent first molars after 10 years. SO - Swedish Dental Journal 1988;12(5):181-5 AB - The aim of the present study was to evaluate fissure sealing of permanent teeth in children during a 10 year period. All completely erupted caries-free permanent first molars were sealed in 6 to 9 year-old children forming the patient population of one of the authors. 758 sealed fissures were controlled and followed up in the study. The fissure sealant material Delton was used and the treatments were performed according to the manufacture's recommendations. The sealings were controlled once a year and the follow-up period varied from one to 10 years. After 8 years, about 80 per cent of the sealed fissures showed total sealant retention and no caries. Another 16 per cent of the sealed occlusal surfaces showed partial retention and no caries. After 10 years only 5.7 per cent of the sealed occlusal surfaces showed caries or restorations. The results underline that fissure sealing is an effective treatment and has a low failure rate. <15> UI - 89063041 AU - Worthington HV AU - Mitropoulos CM AU - Campbell-Wilson MM TI - Selection of children for fissure sealing. SO - Community Dental Health 1988 Sep;5(3):251-4 <16> UI - 89067256 AU - Gonzalez CD AU - Frazier PJ AU - Messer LB TI - Sealant knowledge and use by pediatric dentists: 1987 Minnesota survey. SO - ASDC Journal of Dentistry for Children 1988 Nov-Dec;55(6):434-40 AB - Sealants are safe, cost-effective, and easy to apply. All of the pediatric dentists surveyed in this study reported using sealants. Only 46 percent, however, applied sealants more than ten times per week. Sealant use was most often for the six- to fourteen-year-old age-group. <17> UI - 89036896 AU - Sterritt GR AU - Frew RA IN - Public Health Service, Aberdeen, SD 57401. TI - Evaluation of a clinic-based sealant program. SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1988 Fall;48(4):220-4 AB - In 1984 a comprehensive sealant program was initiated for Guamanian children in grades one through eight. The goal of the program was to reduce caries rates in children on the fluoride-deficient island to a level at or below US mainland scores. At the initiation of the program, decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS) scores on Guam were approximately double those for US mainland children under 17 years of age. For the clinic-based preventive program, children in grades one through eight were bussed to one of two public health clinics for preventive services. These services included oral health education, toothbrushing instructions, and sealant application. Baseline and follow-up dental examinations (DMFS) were conducted in 1984 and 1986 on 1,061 and 987 children respectively, in grades one through eight to evaluate program impact. From 1984 to 1986, after the advent of a pit and fissure sealant program where over 15,000 children annually had sealants applied to their teeth, DMFS scores decreased 45 percent. The entire reduction in DMFS scores occurred on pitted and grooved surfaces and the effect reduced the DMFS by 2.4 surfaces/child in two years. The overall participation rate for both the elementary and middle schools was 80 percent and the first annual follow-up showed an overall sealant retention rate of 94 percent. <18> UI - 88318540 AU - Ismail AI AU - Burt BA AU - Brunelle JA AU - Szpunar SM IN - Department of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. TI - Dental caries and periodontal disease among Mexican-American children from five southwestern states, 1982-1983. SO - Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report. CDC Surveillance Summaries 1988 Jul;37(3):33-45 AB - Analysis of Southwestern HHANES data showed that the prevalence of dental caries among Mexican-American children is similar to that of children of the same age examined during the NIDR survey (1979-1980), despite a lower level of restorative treatment. Approximately 50% of Mexican-American children 17 years of age, however, had five or more teeth that were either decayed or filled. Occlusal surfaces of molars were the most susceptible teeth to decay; few anterior teeth were affected. This distribution of dental caries strongly supports the use of fissure sealants on molar teeth. Children from low-income families had two times more decayed teeth than children from high-income families. Mild gingivitis and poor oral hygiene were more prevalent in the Mexican-American children than in the child population for the region examined during NHANES I in 1971-1974. Children from high-income families had better periodontal health than those from low-income families. <19> UI - 88251903 AU - Walls AW AU - Murray JJ AU - McCabe JF TI - The management of occlusal caries in permanent molars. A clinical trial comparing a minimal composite restoration with an occlusal amalgam restoration. SO - British Dental Journal 1988 May 7;164(9):288-92 <20> UI - 88155109 AU - Zinck JH AU - McInnes-Ledoux P AU - Capdeboscq C AU - Weinberg R IN - Department of Operative Dentistry, LSU School of Dentistry, New Orleans 70119. TI - Chemomechanical caries removal--a clinical evaluation. SO - Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 1988 Jan;15(1):23-33 AB - The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy and convenience of decayed dentine removal with N-monochloro-DL-2 aminobutyrate (CARIDEX) in all classes of cavities. Fifty-seven patients, each with two teeth having similarly sized carious cavities, participated in this study. One cavity in each patient was treated with the chemomechanical CARIDEX technique and the other cavity was treated with conventional mechanical drilling. The cavities were restored with either amalgam, composite or glass ionomer restorative materials. The time taken for access and caries removal was noted and the efficacy of caries removal with each technique was evaluated. The chemomechanical caries removal technique was effective in removing 90-100% of decayed dentine in 98% of the cavities treated. Multiple regression adjusted access and caries removal time to account for volume of caries removed. This adjusted time was operator dependent, and ranged from 4 to 10 minutes longer for CARIDEX than for the conventional technique. Ninety-three per cent of patients preferred the chemomechanical method of caries removal over the conventional technique (highly significant P less than 0.001). Even though the chemomechanical removal of caries is slower than the conventional technique, the efficacy of CARIDEX and its high patient acceptance provides a viable alternative method for dentinal caries removal in all classes of cavities. <21> UI - 88107212 AU - Mitchell L AU - Murray JJ TI - The durability of fissure sealants placed in children attending a dental hospital. SO - British Dental Journal 1987 Dec 5;163(11):353-6 <22> UI - 88107216 AU - Hoyos DF TI - Fissure sealants on the National Health Service [letter]. SO - British Dental Journal 1987 Dec 19;163(12):370 <23> UI - 88060120 AU - Mertz-Fairhurst EJ AU - Call-Smith KM AU - Shuster GS AU - Williams JE AU - Davis QB AU - Smith CD AU - Bell RA AU - Sherrer JD AU - Myers DR AU - Morse PK AU - et al IN - Department of Restorative Dentistry, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912-0200. TI - Clinical performance of sealed composite restorations placed over caries compared with sealed and unsealed amalgam restorations. SO - Journal of the American Dental Association 1987 Nov;115(5):689-94 AB - The 2-year clinical evaluations of paired occlusal restorations are presented. Each study participant received a sealed composite restoration placed over a carious lesion and either a traditional outline-form (unsealed) amalgam or an ultraconservative sealed amalgam restoration. Caries was removed before placement of both types of amalgam restorations. No important clinical differences developed among the three groups of restorations. <24> UI - 88041742 AU - Boksman L AU - Gratton DR AU - McCutcheon E AU - Plotzke OB TI - Clinical evaluation of a glass ionomer cement as a fissure sealant. SO - Quintessence International 1987 Oct;18(10):707-9 <25> UI - 88035753 AU - Whyte RJ AU - Leake JL AU - Howley TP IN - Department of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto. TI - Two-year follow-up of 11,000 dental sealants in first permanent molars in the Saskatchewan Health Dental Plan. SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1987 Fall;47(4):177-81 AB - The follow-up study examines the clinical success of sealing pits and fissures of permanent molars in a large auxiliary-based children's dental care program. The success of sealant use after one and two years was assessed using the following independent variables, (1) total number of sealants, (2) tooth location, (3) age of patient, and (4) initial caries status. The computerized records of 4,525 patients with 11,237 sealants were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Success occurred where no further treatment services were performed or where the tooth was resealed. The success rate after one year was 98.7 percent and after two years 97.0 percent. In considering tooth location, number of sealants per patient, age of patient, and initial caries status, the success rate varied only 2.2 percent over the two years. <26> UI - 87283554 AU - Duffy MB AU - Bernet JK AU - Chovanec GK AU - Majerus GJ AU - Frazier PJ AU - Newell KJ TI - Dental hygienists' knowledge, opinions, and use of pit and fissure sealants: a comparison of two states. SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1987 Summer;47(3):121-33 AB - This article reports results of a study of 563 practicing Minnesota and Wisconsin dental hygienists' knowledge, opinions, and use of pit and fissure sealants. The study was carried out six months prior to the 1983 NIH Consensus Development Conference on Dental Sealants in the Prevention of Tooth Decay. It therefore provides baseline information for two states prior to the initiation of widespread public information about the positive value of sealants that occurred as a result of that conference. Such baseline information is relevant for future studies of the diffusion of adoption of this caries-preventive technology by dental hygienists. Two independent samples were selected randomly from the populations of licensed dental hygienists residing in the two states. Data were collected using a 42-item mailed questionnaire, with an 84 percent response. Data were analyzed for both interstate and intrastate comparisons. Respondents were generally knowledgeable and had favorable opinions about sealants, although they had low levels of training in their use. Sealants were being used in 54 percent of the offices in which respondents practiced, with the dentist placing them most often. Among hygienists who applied sealants at all, more than two-thirds did so three or fewer times per week. Eighty-four percent indicated they would like to apply sealants more often. The most frequent reasons given for nonuse were lack of acceptance by the dentist-employer and nondelegation. <27> UI - 87281190 AU - Simonsen RJ TI - Retention and effectiveness of a single application of white sealant after 10 years. SO - Journal of the American Dental Association 1987 Jul;115(1):31-6 AB - This retrospective cohort study assesses the caries prevalence, cost-effectiveness, and retention of pit and fissure sealant in children living in a fluoridated area 10 years after the single application of a colored sealant to permanent first molars. The status of the sealant and presence of caries or restorations on the sealed teeth was assessed. An age-, gender-, and residence-matched control group of children was examined and similar data were collected for comparison with the sealed group. The cost of a single surface restoration is compared with the cost of sealant application. <28> UI - 87261792 AU - Gerke DC TI - Modified enameloplasty-fissure sealant technique using an acid-etch resin method. SO - Quintessence International 1987 Jun;18(6):387-90 <29> UI - 87268255 AU - Ismail AL AU - Burt BA AU - Brunelle JA TI - Prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease in Mexican American children aged 5 to 17 years: results from southwestern HHANES, 1982-83. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. SO - American Journal of Public Health 1987 Aug;77(8):967-70 AB - This paper describes the estimated prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease in 2,550 children, 5 through 17 years of age, who resided in five southwestern states of the United States and were examined in the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES) of 1982-84 of the National Center for Health Statistics. Dental caries in the Mexican American children was predominantly a disease of occlusal surfaces of molars; few smooth surfaces of posterior and anterior teeth were affected by caries. This intra-oral distribution of dental caries strongly supports the use of fissure sealants as a preventive procedure. Filled tooth surfaces contributed about 66 per cent of the total DMFS (decayed, missing, filled surfaces) scores. The analysis also shows that about 50 per cent of the 17 year old Mexican Americans had five or more filled or decayed teeth. Mild gingivitis was prevalent (76.9 per cent) in the Mexican American children. <30> UI - 87244765 AU - Winter A TI - Pit and fissure sealants. Preventive resin restorations aid sealant techniques. SO - Dental Assisting 1987 Jul-Aug;6(6):15, 19 <31> UI - 87236451 AU - Isman R AU - Kizer KW TI - Preventive dentistry update--dental sealants. SO - Western Journal of Medicine 1987 May;146(5):631-2 <32> UI - 87202700 AU - Curro FA AU - Levi M TI - Extending sealant therapy to the adult population. SO - New York State Dental Journal 1987 May;53(5):32-5 <33> UI - 87118716 AU - Corbin SB AU - Maas WR AU - Kleinman DV AU - Backinger CL TI - 1985 NHIS findings on public knowledge and attitudes about oral diseases and preventive measures. SO - Public Health Reports 1987 Jan-Feb;102(1):53-60 AB - Two objectives for the nation for 1990 set goals related to the need for schoolchildren and adults to understand the causes of oral diseases and methods of prevention. Five questions related to these objectives were included in the 1985 National Health Interview Survey. Survey responses of adults ages 18 years and older indicated that while the public is generally aware of the importance of a number of factors in the prevention of tooth decay, only 18 percent had both heard of, and knew the purpose of, dental sealants. At the same time, the public fails to discriminate between effective disease preventive factors related to periodontal diseases as opposed to those related to dental decay. Knowledge of oral disease prevention modalities generally varies across educational, income, age, and racial categories. However, there appears to be little variation in knowledge by gender. Additional information from upcoming surveys may shed more light on the relationships between knowledge of oral diseases and their prevention and personal preventive practices. <34> UI - 87104053 AU - Handelman SL AU - Leverett DH AU - Espeland M AU - Curzon J TI - Retention of sealants over carious and sound tooth surfaces. SO - Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology 1987 Feb;15(1):1-5 AB - Bacteriologic and clinical studies suggest that sealants can be used therapeutically on incipient caries of the enamel. The present study was designed to explore this approach further by determining whether there is a difference in retention rates on sound or carious tooth surfaces sealed for the first time as well as resealed surfaces. A total of 1766 teeth were sealed for subjects 12-14 yr of age of which 120 were judged to be carious. Mouths were divided sagittally on a random basis and an ultraviolet light activated resin with a filler or an autopolymerizing resin without a filler was placed on contralateral surfaces of all molar and premolar teeth. The effects of sealant type, caries status, arch and tooth type on retention over a 2-yr period were tested using Mantel-Haenszel statistics. At the end of 1 yr, 88% of the teeth sealed with the autopolymerizing resin were judged to be completely intact compared to 82% of the teeth filled with the ultraviolet light resin. At the end of the second year the retention rates were 84% and 75% respectively. The retention rates for carious and sound teeth at the end of both years were almost identical. Overall, premolars had a 15% more favorable retention rate than molars. There were minimal differences between arches although maxillary premolars had approximately a 5% higher retention rate than mandibular premolars. The reverse was true for molar teeth. Retention of sealants at the end of the second year (resealed after 1 yr) was 4% less than comparable teeth sealed initially. <35> UI - 92226939 AU - Karayanni C TI - Prevention from infancy through adolescence. SO - Journal of Pedodontics 1986 Summer;10(4):303-8 <36> UI - 87058484 AU - Handelman SL AU - Leverett DH AU - Espeland MA AU - Curzon JA TI - Clinical radiographic evaluation of sealed carious and sound tooth surfaces. SO - Journal of the American Dental Association 1986 Nov;113(5):751-4 AB - The results of a 2-year radiographic assessment of 113 carious posterior teeth that were sealed with one of two sealants are presented. Little or no difference was found in radiographic ratings of caries by type of sealant. Sealant loss between annual recall visits had little or no detectable effect on radiographic ratings of caries during the study. Radiographs suggested that caries may regress in sealed teeth with early caries. The results support the safety of sealing incipient caries in pits and fissures to increase the potential uses of sealants. <37> UI - 87034539 AU - Badner VM AU - Rosenberg D TI - Dentist use patterns for pit and fissure sealants and topical fluorides. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1986 Nov;50(11):656-60 AB - A survey of 2,800 general dentists from six licensing regions was conducted to determine the current rate of pit and fissure sealants and topical fluoride use. The response rate was 56 percent. Seventy percent of general dentists used sealants on newly erupted secondary teeth and 20 percent of general dentists had never used sealants. Sixty-five percent of general dentists used topical fluorides on pedodontic patients at six-months intervals and 25 percent used them at one-year intervals. Dentists with more frequent use of sealants tended to be recent graduates who used new procedures, spent more practice time in pedodontics, came from the central region, had a hygienist in their practice, and belonged to the Academy of General Dentistry. Dentists with more frequent use of topical fluorides tended to perform frequent recall examinations. Those who performed frequent recall examinations were more likely to come from Florida and the Southeast, to believe caries spread rapidly, to be recent graduates, and to have a greater percentage of patients with insurance. <38> UI - 86254030 AU - Callanen VA AU - Weintraub JA AU - French DP AU - Connolly GN TI - Developing a sealant program: the Massachusetts approach. SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1986 Summer;46(3):141-6 AB - This paper describes the program structure and strategies being used by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to promote the utilization of sealants. The program design includes four components: clinical demonstration, consumer education, professional education, and reimbursement. Eighteen Massachusetts neighborhood health centers and six local health departments are participating in the clinical demonstration component. Since March 1984, dental personnel from these sites have applied sealants to 4,398 schoolchildren. The promotional theme "Save Teeth: Seal Them" has been incorporated into brochures designed to increase knowledge and awareness of consumers. Curriculum materials have been developed to educate dentists and dental hygienists to apply sealants and understand the rationale and scientific basis for their use. Since January 1984, 18 sealant educational sessions have been conducted statewide for 630 dental providers. Information is being presented to third-party carriers, some of whom have subsequently adopted a policy to include reimbursement for sealants. <39> UI - 86260879 AU - Knibbs PJ AU - Plant CG AU - Pearson GJ TI - The use of a glass ionomer cement to restore Class III cavities. SO - Restorative Dentistry 1986 Mar;2(2):42, 45-8 <40> UI - 86197193 AU - Anonymous TI - Guide to dental health. Parents: Questions and answers. SO - Journal of the American Dental Association 1986;Spec No:20-30 <41> UI - 86199842 AU - Eklund SA AU - Ismail AI TI - Time of development of occlusal and proximal lesions: implications for fissure sealants. SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1986 Spring;46(2):114-21 AB - Analysis of surface and tooth-specific data from NHANES I and HHANES shows that the pattern of dental caries differs greatly from tooth to tooth and surface to surface. Occlusal caries precedes all other types, and increases most rapidly and to the highest levels in the molars. Caries on the proximal surfaces comes later. For sealants to be of value, they must reduce the need for restorations. Therefore, the value of sealants will be determined by the balance between high enough levels of potential caries on occlusal surfaces to give them something to prevent, and low levels of, or sufficiently delayed, proximal lesions to prevent the loss of the otherwise saved occlusal surface. The data presented demonstrate that as of the time of NHANES I, the number of permanent molars that could have had surfaces saved from restoration, at least for a number of years, appears to be sufficient to warrant widespread use of sealants on those teeth. More recent data (HHANES) suggest that the current decline in caries prevalence is likely to reduce the value of sealants in the short run because there are fewer occlusal lesions in young children, but may increase the value of sealants in the long run because proximal caries in older children and adults is also declining. <42> UI - 86171442 AU - Houpt M AU - Eidelman E AU - Shey Z AU - Fuks A AU - Chosak A AU - Shapira J TI - The composite/sealant restoration. Five-year results. SO - Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry 1986 Feb;55(2):164-8 <43> UI - 86169291 AU - Gift HC AU - Frew RA TI - Sealants: changing patterns. SO - Journal of the American Dental Association 1986 Mar;112(3):391-2 AB - Although the use of and the attitude toward sealants as a caries-preventive method have improved in the 8-year period between 1974 and 1982, the acceptance still is low, considering the potential value of sealants to patients who are at risk for occlusal caries. More efforts should be directed toward both increasing dentists' and patients' understanding and appreciation of the procedure in preventing caries. It is possible that such a "good sell" has been done with fluorides and oral hygiene that patients do not understand the added value of sealants for the prevention of occlusal caries. Dentists appear to underrate the value of sealants and overrate the value of oral hygiene procedures in the control of caries. Given that some dentists have less-than-positive attitudes toward sealants, it may not be enough to wait for the transmission of knowledge regarding sealants to proceed through the practicing dentist to the patient. Both patient and dentist groups need further appreciation of the value of this procedure if the control of occlusal caries is to be maximized. <44> UI - 86141272 AU - Mertz-Fairhurst EJ AU - Schuster GS AU - Fairhurst CW TI - Arresting caries by sealants: results of a clinical study. SO - Journal of the American Dental Association 1986 Feb;112(2):194-7 AB - In each of 14 patients, one bilateral occlusal carious lesion was sealed and the other lesion was left open as a control. The control lesions showed patterns of sudden increases in cavity depth, as well as evidence of being active bacteriologically; whereas, with one exception, the sealed lesions were inactive bacteriologically. The residual carious material in the sealed lesions suggested a complete cessation of the carious process. No clinical or radiologic signs were seen to suggest that the health of the sealed tooth had been compromised. <45> UI - 86171815 AU - Lonergan RC TI - A personal approach to caries prevention in private practice. SO - Journal of New Zealand Society of Periodontology 1985 Nov;60:8-9 <46> UI - 86106230 AU - Silverstone LM TI - The current state of sealant research. SO - CDA Journal 1985 Dec;13(12):10-5 <47> UI - 86078863 AU - Disney JA TI - Reaction and discussion of sealants for community programs. SO - Journal / Canadian Dental Association. Journal de l Association Dentaire Canadienne 1985 Nov;51(11):847-50 <48> UI - 86027426 AU - Stephen KW AU - Strang R TI - Fissure sealants: a review. [Review] [43 refs] SO - Community Dental Health 1985 Jun;2(2):149-56 <49> UI - 86017500 AU - Corbin SB AU - Kleinman DV AU - Lane JM TI - New opportunities for enhancing oral health: moving toward the 1990 objectives for the nation. SO - Public Health Reports 1985 Sep-Oct;100(5):515-24 AB - In July 1983, the Assistant Secretary for Health reviewed progress toward achievement of a dozen national objectives in fluoridation and dental health. These 12 objectives, classified under the categories of improved oral health status, reduced risk factors, increased public and professional awareness, improved services and protection, and improved surveillance-evaluation systems, hold promise for improved oral health in this country. It is noteworthy that the objective that 40 percent of 9-year-old children be caries-free in their permanent dentition has been accomplished (51 percent of 9-year-olds were caries-free according to a 1979-80 National Institute of Dental Research study). Still, dental caries is highly prevalent among teenaged children, and gingival and periodontal conditions are highly prevalent among children and adults. A number of highly effective methods are available for preventing dental decay in children as well as adults; they include community or school water fluoridation, the use of multiple forms of supplemental fluorides, avoidance of frequent consumption of foods that are high in sugar content, and the use of adhesive pit and fissure sealants. Personal use and professional provision of these methods in appropriate combinations can contribute significantly to future improvements in oral health. Meticulous personal oral hygiene practices combined with periodic professional care are the currently available means of protecting periodontal health. Through increased collaboration among various governmental, academic, and corporate entities, as well as active participation by individuals, the achievement of a number of these objectives becomes feasible to the benefit of national productivity, health care financing, and the quality of life for Americans. <50> UI - 86015294 AU - Ripa LW TI - Community- and school-based caries preventive programs. Participation of New York State children. SO - New York State Dental Journal 1985 Aug-Sep;51(7):408-12 <51> UI - 85254069 AU - Ripa LW TI - The current status of pit and fissure sealants. A review. [Review] [183 refs] SO - Journal / Canadian Dental Association. Journal de l Association Dentaire Canadienne 1985 May;51(5):367-75, 377-80 <52> UI - 85252341 AU - Elderton RJ TI - Assessment and clinical management of early caries in young adults: invasive versus non-invasive methods. SO - British Dental Journal 1985 Jun 22;158(12):440-4 <53> UI - 85235234 AU - Straffon LH AU - Dennison JB AU - More FG TI - Three-year evaluation of sealant: effect of isolation on efficacy. SO - Journal of the American Dental Association 1985 May;110(5):714-7 AB - This study analyzes the clinical effectiveness of a sealant (Delton) and its requirements for retreatment to maintain the optimum protection from pit and fissure caries. One hundred paired occlusal surfaces were treated in 29 patients. Two contralateral, partially erupted, noncarious molars with deep occlusal fissures were randomly selected to receive a sealant; one had a rubber dam and the other, cotton rolls for isolation. Each tooth received a prophylaxis with a rubber cup and a pumice slurry. The dryness of the field was evaluated. Each tooth was etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 60 seconds, rinsed for 15 seconds, and dried for 30 seconds. Sealant (Delton Tinted) was applied with a syringe according to manufacturer's instructions. Sealants were evaluated and reapplied where indicated at 6-month intervals. The average 6-month retention rate over 36 months was 95%, regardless of the method of isolation used when the sealant was applied initially. No tooth under treatment with a sealant became carious. The retreatment rate was highest at baseline (8%) and at 6 months (11.3%). Of the total number of retreated sealants, 61% were from the mandibular arch. During the 36 months of this study, 31% of the treated teeth required at least one retreatment. <54> UI - 85208744 AU - Houpt M AU - Eidelman E AU - Shey Z AU - Fuks A AU - Chosack A AU - Shapira J TI - Occlusal composite restorations: 4-year results. SO - Journal of the American Dental Association 1985 Mar;110(3):351-3 AB - A study was performed to determine the success of a conservative cavity preparation using the principle of sealing for prevention rather than cavity extension for prevention. A total of 332 restorations were placed in 240 teeth of 110 subjects, aged 6 to 14, with a mean age of 8 years. After 4 years, 205 restorations were examined. Caries appeared in 13 teeth and sealant wear occurred in 14 restorations. Complete sealant loss was observed in eight restorations and partial loss in 38, leaving 156 restorations with complete retention of the sealant. These preliminary results show that conservative cavity preparation with sealing for prevention is a successful technique that conserves valuable tooth structure. <55> UI - 85210779 AU - Hunter B TI - Patterns of diagnosis and treatment of dental caries from dental practice records. SO - Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 1985;78 Suppl 7:11-6 <56> UI - 85210783 AU - Murray JJ TI - The management of dental caries in children. SO - Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 1985;78 Suppl 7:3-10 <57> UI - 85210784 AU - Watson James D TI - Diagnosis and treatment of dental caries: the clinicians' dilemma. The public and the profession. SO - Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 1985;78 Suppl 7:33-6 <58> UI - 85216430 AU - Nordblad A AU - Larmas M TI - A three-year study of caries prevalence, incidence and risk ages in cohorts of schoolchildren in Espoo, Finland. SO - Proceedings of the Finnish Dental Society 1985;81(1):11-6 <59> UI - 85199549 AU - Elderton RJ TI - Management of early dental caries in fissures with fissure sealant. SO - British Dental Journal 1985 Apr 6;158(7):254-8 <60> UI - 85125630 AU - Brooks JD AU - Azhdari S AU - Ashrafi MH TI - A comparative study of three tinted, unfilled pit and fissure sealants. Eleven-month results in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. SO - Clinical Preventive Dentistry 1985 Jan-Feb;7(1):4-10 <61> UI - 85149823 AU - Rock WP TI - Potential use of fissure sealants in the NHS. SO - British Dental Journal 1984 Dec 22;157(12):445-8 <62> UI - 85087182 AU - Yanover L AU - Bedard D TI - The current status of preventive therapy. SO - Ontario Dentist 1984 Jun;61(6):12, 14-5, 17-8 <63> UI - 85057594 AU - Jerrell RG AU - Bennett CG TI - Utilization of sealants by practicing pedodontists. SO - Journal of Pedodontics 1984 Summer;8(4):378-86 <64> UI - 84301071 AU - Jodaikin A AU - Setzer S TI - The treatment of dental caries at the cervical margin of a resin restoration: a case report. SO - Journal of the Dental Association of South Africa 1984 Jan;39(1):5-6 <65> UI - 84290220 AU - Houpt M AU - Eidelman E AU - Shey Z AU - Fuks A AU - Chosack A AU - Shapira J TI - Occlusal restoration using fissure sealant instead of "extension for prevention". SO - ASDC Journal of Dentistry for Children 1984 Jul-Aug;51(4):270-3 AB - This study was conducted to determine the success of a conservative cavity preparation using the principle of "sealing for prevention" rather than cavity "extension for prevention". Three hundred and twenty one restorations were placed in 234 teeth of 110 subjects, ages six to fourteen, with a mean age of eight years. After three years, 273 restorations were examined. Caries appeared in ten teeth and sealant wear occurred in sixteen restorations. Complete sealant loss was observed in two restorations and partial loss in thirty-nine, leaving 224 restorations with complete retention of the sealant. These preliminary results demonstrate that conservative cavity preparation with sealing for prevention is a successful technique which conserves valuable tooth structure. <66> UI - 84284189 AU - Silverstone LM TI - The current status of fissure sealants and priorities for future research. Part II. SO - Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry 1984 Apr;5(4):299-306 <67> UI - 84240696 AU - Anonymous TI - Prevention in the dental office: results of a preventive dentistry survey. American Dental Association Health Foundation. SO - Journal of the American Dental Association 1984 May;108(5):809, 811-2, 815 passim <68> UI - 84213463 AU - Anonymous TI - Dental sealants in the prevention of tooth decay. National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference statement. SO - Journal - Connecticut State Dental Association 1984 May;58(2):62-9 <69> UI - 84205062 AU - Bohannan HM AU - Bader JD TI - Future impact of public health and preventive methods on the incidence of dental caries. [Review] [45 refs] SO - Journal / Canadian Dental Association. Journal de l Association Dentaire Canadienne 1984 Mar;50(3):229-233 <70> UI - 84178855 AU - Anonymous TI - Dental sealants in the prevention of tooth decay. NIH Consensus Development Conference summary. SO - British Dental Journal 1984 Apr 21;156(8):295-8 <71> UI - 84186504 AU - Carlos JP AU - Collier DR AU - Dennison JB AU - Field JF AU - Gwinnett AJ AU - Schulman A AU - Silverstone LM AU - Tonn EM AU - Walton JH TI - Pit and fissure sealant use: an issue explored. SO - Journal of the American Dental Association 1984 Mar;108(3):310-22 <72> UI - 84168860 AU - Sveen OB AU - Jensen OE TI - Clinical evaluation of two pit and fissure sealants: results after twelve months. SO - New York State Dental Journal 1984 Mar;50(3):167-9 <73> UI - 84159096 AU - Disney JA AU - Bohannan HM TI - The role of occlusal sealants in preventive dentistry. SO - Dental Clinics of North America 1984 Jan;28(1):21-35 <74> UI - 84136613 AU - Stamm JW TI - Is there a need for dental sealants? Epidemiological indications in the 1980s. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1984 Feb;48(2 Suppl):9-17 AB - This paper has attempted to review dental caries epidemiology as it may relate to the subject of dental sealants. As such, the major emphasis has been on the epidemiology of permanent tooth caries among children and adolescents. The review touched four major areas. First, the current distribution of dental caries and its relationship to various epidemiological factors was discussed as it pertains to North America. Second, the evidence for declining caries experience was reviewed from a North American, European, and Australia/New Zealand perspective. Third, a superficial discussion of dental caries epidemiology in selected developing countries was offered and certain contrasts to caries patterns in developed countries were illustrated. Fourth, a brief attempt was made to evaluate the relative significance of pit and fissure caries in children. <75> UI - 84136607 AU - Bohannan HM AU - Disney JA AU - Graves RC AU - Bader JD AU - Klein SP AU - Bell RM TI - Indications for sealant use in a community-based preventive dentistry program. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1984 Feb;48(2 Suppl):45-55 AB - Dental caries is a disease that recently has undergone, and may still be undergoing, dramatic changes in distribution of incidence and prevalence. The most recent epidemiologic data available have been reviewed in this paper to illustrate that caries is becoming a disease primarily of pits and fissures, with less differentiation than previously acknowledged between fluoridated and fluoride-deficient areas. The present distribution of caries suggests that prevention may be accomplished more effectively through targeted sealant programs than through currently popular mass preventive programs. Existing information can be used to identify logical target groups for sealant programs, and age specific tooth eruption and caries attack information can be used to design delivery methods. Although the adoption of targeted sealant programs represents a departure from the traditional mass approach to prevention in dental programs, the present-day caries distribution requires that the initiation of such programs be given serious consideration. At the very least program administrators are encouraged to invoke the planning-implementation-evaluation process. Current programs should be evaluated carefully in view of today's disease patterns and the clinical significance of the results achieved. The content, design, and timing of future community-based programs should reflect individualized community diagnosis and the application of new epidemiologic data as well as a careful evaluation of the results achieved by current preventive procedures. <76> UI - 84136601 AU - Anonymous TI - National Institutes of Health Consensus Development conference Statement. Dental sealants in the prevention of tooth decay. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1984 Feb;48(2 Suppl):126-31 <77> UI - 84136603 AU - Rock WP TI - The effectiveness of fissure sealant resins. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1984 Feb;48(2 Suppl):27-31 <78> UI - 84136606 AU - Simonsen RJ TI - Pit and fissure sealant in individual patient care programs. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1984 Feb;48(2 Suppl):42-4 <79> UI - 84035878 AU - Bohannan HM TI - Caries distribution and the case for sealants. SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1983 Summer;43(3):200-4 <80> UI - 83215898 AU - Frazier PJ TI - Public health education and promotion for caries prevention: the role of dental schools. SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1983 Winter;43(1):28-42 <81> UI - 83216076 AU - Pullman TM TI - The effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants. [Review] [14 refs] SO - Journal of Michigan Dental Association 1983 Feb;65(2):91-3 <82> UI - 83187129 AU - Mandel IW TI - Research on dental caries: implications for the future of academic dentistry. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1983 Apr;47(4):222-6 <83> UI - 84003135 AU - Handelman SL TI - Effect of sealant placement on occlusal caries progression. SO - Clinical Preventive Dentistry 1982 Sep-Oct;4(5):11-6 <84> UI - 83126114 AU - Zickert I AU - Emilson CG AU - Krasse B TI - Effect of caries preventive measures in children highly infected with the bacterium Streptococcus mutans. SO - Archives of Oral Biology 1982;27(10):861-8 AB - The number of Strep. mutans in saliva samples was examined in 101 13-14-year-old children, 53 in a control and 48 in the test group. All in the test group with 2.5 X 10(5) Strep. mutans per ml saliva were treated with 1 per cent chlorhexidine gel, once a day, for 14 days when the number of Strep. mutans was greatly reduced. Saliva samples were then examined in the test group every 4th month and all children with Strep. mutans levels above 2.5 X 10(5) were treated. A few selected children had fissure sealants applied to the occlusal surfaces. After 3 years, the mean number of new carious lesions was 9.6 in the control group and 4.2 in the test group. In the children with 10(6) Strep. mutans at the start of the study, the corresponding figures were 20.8 compared with 3.9. Thus a reduction in caries activity can be achieved by controlled antimicrobial treatment. <85> UI - 83090604 AU - Silverstone LM TI - The use of pit and fissure sealants in dentistry, present status and future developments. [Review] [29 refs] SO - Pediatric Dentistry 1982 Mar;4(1):16-21 <86> UI - 83055858 AU - Charbeneau GT TI - Pit and fissure sealants. [Review] [26 refs] SO - International Dental Journal 1982 Sep;32(3):215-22 AB - Through participation in rational, comprehensive preventive programs, completely caries-free dentitions are now a possibility for many adults (Horowitz, 1980). Because of the uniqueness of pit and fissure caries sealants need to be considered for children as one necessary component in such total preventive programs. If the goal of a population free of caries is to be achieved, effective oral hygiene measures, including the use of therapeutic dentifrices, systemic or topically applied fluorides and dietary supervision are other components that should be considered in such a program (Ripa, 1978). Safety and effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants have been clearly established. Cost-effectiveness, however, whether in a private practice or public health setting is a factor of legitimate concern. From the 'Conference on Pit and Fissure Sealants: Why Their Limited Usage?' conducted by the Council on Dental Materials, Instruments and Equipment of the American Dental Association in May 1981, a number of recommendations resulted. Their implementation will help overcome scepticism regarding sealant use. Included in the recommendations are (a) a greater emphasis upon the use of sealants in dental education curricula, (b) development of specific guidelines for sealant use and maintenance, (c) continued long term studies under different program formats and (d) dissemination by the profession, as it did with fluorides, of valid information regarding sealant use (Brown, 1981). Regarding pit and fissure sealants, the apparent consensus from scientific data and clinical practice would suggest that we should be using these materials for our child patients knowledgeably, selectively and with precise application methods. [References: 26] <87> UI - 82266548 AU - Smales RJ TI - Fissure sealants versus amalgams: clinical results over five years. SO - Journal of Dentistry 1982 Jun;10(2):95-102 <88> UI - 82144956 AU - Low T TI - The combined application of topical fluoride and fissure sealant--results after 2 years. SO - Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 1982 Jan;9(1):1-5 AB - The effectiveness of combining the application of topical stannous fluoride and fissure sealing using Nuva Seal was tested in a group of school children over a 2-year period. The retention rate of the applied sealant was 71.1%. The caries reduction after 2 years was 76.8% which appears to be slightly better than comparable studies using the sealant alone. Staining of the fissures, which may indicate an uptake of the applied fluoride by the tooth was also observed. Whilst the combined approach theoretically should provide additional protection from dental caries following the loss of the applied sealant, further observations are necessary to substantiate the hypothesis. <89> UI - 82137749 AU - Li SH AU - Swango PA AU - Gladsden AN AU - Heifetz SB TI - Evaluation of the retention of two types of pit and fissure sealants. SO - Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology 1981 Aug;9(4):151-8 AB - The aim of this study was to statistically compare the retention of a chemically polymerized sealant (Delton, Johnson & Johnson Co., East Windsor, N.J.) with a widely tested UV-polymerized system (Nuva-Seal, L.D. Caulk Co., Milford, Del.) Two hundred children aged 5-16 years who resided in Fairfax County, Virginia (a fluoridated community) and who had one or more pairs of homologous permanent posterior teeth free of decay or fillings were admitted to the study. Posterior teeth on one side of the mouth of each subject were randomly assigned to receive Nuva-Seal; teeth on the other side were treated with Delton. Treated teeth were examined for sealant loss approximately every 6 months for a period of 2 years. Scores for complete retention of Nuva-Seal were 86% after 6 months and 78% at the end of 2 years. The corresponding values for Delton-treated teeth were 96% and 92%. For both sealants, scores of total retention were highest in mandibular first premolars and lowest in mandibular second molars. The greatest rate of sealant loss occurred within the first 6 months after placement. A comparison of overall retention scores (net gain) for Delton and Nuva-Seal revealed that Delton scores were significantly higher than Nuva-Seal at each semi-annual examination. The McNemar test was used to compare the retention of the two sealants for each tooth type. The test showed that the retention scores for Delton were significantly higher than those for Nuva-Seal only on maxillary and mandibular first molars. <90> UI - 81160439 AU - Williams B AU - Winter GB TI - Fissure sealants. Further results at 4 years. SO - British Dental Journal 1981 Apr 7;150(7):183-7 <91> UI - 81096021 AU - Low T TI - The treatment of hypersensitive cervical abrasion cavities using ASPA cement. SO - Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 1981 Jan;8(1):81-9 AB - This study evaluated the usefulness of the alumino-silicate polyacrylate (ASPA) or glass ionomer cement in the treatment of hypersensitive cervical abrasion cavities. Various methods of treatment of hypersensitive cervical abrasion cavities have been described, and all these methods have their disadvantages. The ASPA cement was used to treat non-carious hypersensitive cervical abrasion cavities in 189 teeth from fifty-eight adult patients. The patients were followed-up for periods ranging from 6-15 months. Of the 189 treated teeth, the ASPA restoration was intact in 163 or 86.2%. Seventeen teeth or 9.0% had partial loss of the restorations and nine or 4.8% had complete loss of restorations. With regard to symptoms, 176 or 93.1% of the treated teeth were no longer sensitive to stimuli from the oral cavity following placement of the ASPA restoration. Of the fifty-eight patients, fifty-two or 89.7% were completely relieved of all symptoms. Of the remaining teeth eleven or 5.8% reported a reduction in the severity of the symptoms. Only one patient, with both restorations lost, reported no improvement. No case of pulpal death was recorded, and there was no evidence of caries at the margin of any of the restorations. The results indicate that the method is effective, and it has some distinct advantages over existing methods of treatment of these cavities. <92> UI - 81126113 AU - Jensen OE AU - Handelman SL TI - Effect of an autopolymerizing sealant on viability of microflora in occlusal dental caries. SO - Scandinavian Journal of Dental Research 1980 Oct;88(5):382-8 AB - A total of 106 molars with occlusal caries were sealed with an autopolymerizing sealant. Samples of the carious dentin were obtained 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 d, and 2, 4, 6, and 12 months after sealant placement. The samples were cultured on enriched nonselective medium, a streptococcal medium, a Streptococcus mutans medium, and a medium for acidogenic microorganisms. The bacterial counts were compared with control samples obtained from nonsealed occlusal carious lesions, half of which had acid conditioner applied to the occlusal surface for 1 min prior to sampling. The mean total viable counts decreased by approximately 99.9% during the 1-year study period, from 925.1 x 10(4) CFU/mg of sample to 0.9 x 10(4) CFU/mg of sample. Statistically, there was a very strong linear relationship (P less than 0.001) between the reduction in bacterial counts and time. A similar reduction was observed for the total streptococcal count and the S. mutans count. The etching procedure itself reduced the number of cultivable organisms by about 75%. Sealant material that was polymerized directly in culture media did not result in any inhibition of bacterial growth. Although slight fluctuations in the relative proportion of the microflora were observed at the different sampling intervals, there were no significant changes in the relative distribution of bacterial types with time. <93> UI - 81005998 AU - Horowitz HS TI - Pit and fissure sealants in private practice and public health programmes: analysis of cost-effectiveness. SO - International Dental Journal 1980 Jun;30(2):117-26 AB - Most studies of fissure sealants have concentrated on their ability to prevent caries of occlusal surfaces. The cost-effectiveness of the procedure has been generally ignored and even in those reports where values for the cost of sealant applications are given they tend to be overstated. In the majority of studies all sound teeth in one half of the subject's mouth were sealed, the other side acting as a control. Since only a proportion of the teeth sealed would have become carious this could be held to be wasteful and in a private practice where the caries profile of the subject was known, a more economical regimen could have been adopted. When sealants are applied by a dentist the cost appears likely to exceed the potential cost of restorations saved, but this could be altered if it were possible for the procedure to be carried out by auxiliaries. It is concluded that fissure sealants have a worthwhile contribution to make when used as an integral part of a total preventive regime which includes the use of professionally and self-applied fluorides. With their intelligent use it should be possible to preserve many more dentitions free of caries into adult life. <94> UI - 80204968 AU - Messer LB AU - Cline JT TI - Relative caries experience of sealed versus unsealed permanent posterior teeth: a three-year study. SO - ASDC Journal of Dentistry for Children 1980 May-Jun;47(3):175-82 AB - A clinical trial has investigated the occlusal caries experience of permanent molars and premolars, following the apparent loss of occlusal sealants applied by dental students, in comparison with that of unsealed teeth erupted for time periods similar to the sealant evaluation periods. Complete retention at one, two and three years was relatively poor. Throughout the study, premolars were superior to molars in fully retaining sealants. Regardless of the clinical condition of the sealant, a statistically significant reduction in occlusal caries-experience of sealed teeth was seen in comparison with control teeth. This relative reduction was highest at one year: 72 percent for molars and 83 percent for premolars, dropping at three years to 23 percent for molars and 64 percent for premolars. At one year, molar sealant failures showed a statistically significant, relative reduction of 41 percent in occlusal caries-experience over control teeth, suggesting as ongoing caries-inhibitory effect. Thereafter, the history of a failed sealant neither enhanced nor reduced the occlusal caries susceptibility of molars, and premolars over that of control teeth. - The current status of fissure sealants and priorities for future research. Part II. SO - Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry 1984 Apr;5(4):299-306 <87> UI - 84240696 AU - Anonymous TI - Prevention in the dental office: results of a preventive dentistry survey. American Dental Association Health Foundation. SO - Journal of the American Dental Association 1984 May;108(5):809, 811-2, 815 passim <88> UI - 84213463 AU - Anonymous TI - Dental sealants in the prevention of tooth decay. National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference statement. SO - Journal - Connecticut State Dental Association 1984 May;58(2):62-9 <89> UI - 84205062 AU - Bohannan HM AU - Bader JD TI - Future impact of public health and preventive methods on the incidence of dental caries. [Review] [45 refs] SO - Journal / Canadian Dental Association. Journal de l Association Dentaire Canadienne 1984 Mar;50(3):229-233 <90> UI - 84178855 AU - Anonymous TI - Dental sealants in the prevention of tooth decay. NIH Consensus Development Conference summary. SO - British Dental Journal 1984 Apr 21;156(8):295-8 <91> UI - 84186504 AU - Carlos JP AU - Collier DR AU - Dennison JB AU - Field JF AU - Gwinnett AJ AU - Schulman A AU - Silverstone LM AU - Tonn EM AU - Walton JH TI - Pit and fissure sealant use: an issue explored. SO - Journal of the American Dental Association 1984 Mar;108(3):310-22 <92> UI - 84168860 AU - Sveen OB AU - Jensen OE TI - Clinical evaluation of two pit and fissure sealants: results after twelve months. SO - New York State Dental Journal 1984 Mar;50(3):167-9 <93> UI - 84159096 AU - Disney JA AU - Bohannan HM TI - The role of occlusal sealants in preventive dentistry. SO - Dental Clinics of North America 1984 Jan;28(1):21-35 <94> UI - 84136613 AU - Stamm JW TI - Is there a need for dental sealants? Epidemiological indications in the 1980s. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1984 Feb;48(2 Suppl):9-17 AB - This paper has attempted to review dental caries epidemiology as it may relate to the subject of dental sealants. As such, the major emphasis has been on the epidemiology of permanent tooth caries among children and adolescents. The review touched four major areas. First, the current distribution of dental caries and its relationship to various epidemiological factors was discussed as it pertains to North America. Second, the evidence for declining caries experience was reviewed from a North American, European, and Australia/New Zealand perspective. Third, a superficial discussion of dental caries epidemiology in selected developing countries was offered and certain contrasts to caries patterns in developed countries were illustrated. Fourth, a brief attempt was made to evaluate the relative significance of pit and fissure caries in children. <95> UI - 84136607 AU - Bohannan HM AU - Disney JA AU - Graves RC AU - Bader JD AU - Klein SP AU - Bell RM TI - Indications for sealant use in a community-based preventive dentistry program. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1984 Feb;48(2 Suppl):45-55 AB - Dental caries is a disease that recently has undergone, and may still be undergoing, dramatic changes in distribution of incidence and prevalence. The most recent epidemiologic data available have been reviewed in this paper to illustrate that caries is becoming a disease primarily of pits and fissures, with less differentiation than previously acknowledged between fluoridated and fluoride-deficient areas. The present distribution of caries suggests that prevention may be accomplished more effectively through targeted sealant programs than through currently popular mass preventive programs. Existing information can be used to identify logical target groups for sealant programs, and age specific tooth eruption and caries attack information can be used to design delivery methods. Although the adoption of targeted sealant programs represents a departure from the traditional mass approach to prevention in dental programs, the present-day caries distribution requires that the initiation of such programs be given serious consideration. At the very least program administrators are encouraged to invoke the planning-implementation-evaluation process. Current programs should be evaluated carefully in view of today's disease patterns and the clinical significance of the results achieved. The content, design, and timing of future community-based programs should reflect individualized community diagnosis and the application of new epidemiologic data as well as a careful evaluation of the results achieved by current preventive procedures. <96> UI - 84136601 AU - Anonymous TI - National Institutes of Health Consensus Development conference Statement. Dental sealants in the prevention of tooth decay. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1984 Feb;48(2 Suppl):126-31 <97> UI - 84136603 AU - Rock WP TI - The effectiveness of fissure sealant resins. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1984 Feb;48(2 Suppl):27-31 <98> UI - 84136606 AU - Simonsen RJ TI - Pit and fissure sealant in individual patient care programs. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1984 Feb;48(2 Suppl):42-4 <99> UI - 84035878 AU - Bohannan HM TI - Caries distribution and the case for sealants. SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1983 Summer;43(3):200-4 <100> UI - 83215898 AU - Frazier PJ TI - Public health education and promotion for caries prevention: the role of dental schools. SO - Journal of Public Health Dentistry 1983 Winter;43(1):28-42 <101> UI - 83216076 AU - Pullman TM TI - The effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants. [Review] [14 refs] SO - Journal of Michigan Dental Association 1983 Feb;65(2):91-3 <102> UI - 83187129 AU - Mandel IW TI - Research on dental caries: implications for the future of academic dentistry. SO - Journal of Dental Education 1983 Apr;47(4):222-6 <103> UI - 84003135 AU - Handelman SL TI - Effect of sealant placement on occlusal caries progression. SO - Clinical Preventive Dentistry 1982 Sep-Oct;4(5):11-6 <104> UI - 83134350 AU - Nyvad B AU - Fejerskov O TI - Root surface caries: clinical, histopathological and microbiological features and clinical implications. [Review] [93 refs] SO - International Dental Journal 1982 Dec;32(4):311-26 <105> UI - 83126114 AU - Zickert I AU - Emilson CG AU - Krasse B TI - Effect of caries preventive measures in children highly infected with the bacterium Streptococcus mutans. SO - Archives of Oral Biology 1982;27(10):861-8 AB - The number of Strep. mutans in saliva samples was examined in 101 13-14-year-old children, 53 in a control and 48 in the test group. All in the test group with 2.5 X 10(5) Strep. mutans per ml saliva were treated with 1 per cent chlorhexidine gel, once a day, for 14 days when the number of Strep. mutans was greatly reduced. Saliva samples were then examined in the test group every 4th month and all children with Strep. mutans levels above 2.5 X 10(5) were treated. A few selected children had fissure sealants applied to the occlusal surfaces. After 3 years, the mean number of new carious lesions was 9.6 in the control group and 4.2 in the test group. In the children with 10(6) Strep. mutans at the start of the study, the corresponding figures were 20.8 compared with 3.9. Thus a reduction in caries activity can be achieved by controlled antimicrobial treatment. <106> UI - 83090604 AU - Silverstone LM TI - The use of pit and fissure sealants in dentistry, present status and future developments. [Review] [29 refs] SO - Pediatric Dentistry 1982 Mar;4(1):16-21 <107> UI - 83055858 AU - Charbeneau GT TI - Pit and fissure sealants. [Review] [26 refs] SO - International Dental Journal 1982 Sep;32(3):215-22 AB - Through participation in rational, comprehensive preventive programs, completely caries-free dentitions are now a possibility for many adults (Horowitz, 1980). Because of the uniqueness of pit and fissure caries sealants need to be considered for children as one necessary component in such total preventive programs. If the goal of a population free of caries is to be achieved, effective oral hygiene measures, including the use of therapeutic dentifrices, systemic or topically applied fluorides and dietary supervision are other components that should be considered in such a program (Ripa, 1978). Safety and effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants have been clearly established. Cost-effectiveness, however, whether in a private practice or public health setting is a factor of legitimate concern. From the 'Conference on Pit and Fissure Sealants: Why Their Limited Usage?' conducted by the Council on Dental Materials, Instruments and Equipment of the American Dental Association in May 1981, a number of recommendations resulted. Their implementation will help overcome scepticism regarding sealant use. Included in the recommendations are (a) a greater emphasis upon the use of sealants in dental education curricula, (b) development of specific guidelines for sealant use and maintenance, (c) continued long term studies under different program formats and (d) dissemination by the profession, as it did with fluorides, of valid information regarding sealant use (Brown, 1981). Regarding pit and fissure sealants, the apparent consensus from scientific data and clinical practice would suggest that we should be using these materials for our child patients knowledgeably, selectively and with precise application methods. [References: 26] <108> UI - 82266548 AU - Smales RJ TI - Fissure sealants versus amalgams: clinical results over five years. SO - Journal of Dentistry 1982 Jun;10(2):95-102 <109> UI - 82144956 AU - Low T TI - The combined application of topical fluoride and fissure sealant--results after 2 years. SO - Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 1982 Jan;9(1):1-5 AB - The effectiveness of combining the application of topical stannous fluoride and fissure sealing using Nuva Seal was tested in a group of school children over a 2-year period. The retention rate of the applied sealant was 71.1%. The caries reduction after 2 years was 76.8% which appears to be slightly better than comparable studies using the sealant alone. Staining of the fissures, which may indicate an uptake of the applied fluoride by the tooth was also observed. Whilst the combined approach theoretically should provide additional protection from dental caries following the loss of the applied sealant, further observations are necessary to substantiate the hypothesis. <110> UI - 82137749 AU - Li SH AU - Swango PA AU - Gladsden AN AU - Heifetz SB TI - Evaluation of the retention of two types of pit and fissure sealants. SO - Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology 1981 Aug;9(4):151-8 AB - The aim of this study was to statistically compare the retention of a chemically polymerized sealant (Delton, Johnson & Johnson Co., East Windsor, N.J.) with a widely tested UV-polymerized system (Nuva-Seal, L.D. Caulk Co., Milford, Del.) Two hundred children aged 5-16 years who resided in Fairfax County, Virginia (a fluoridated community) and who had one or more pairs of homologous permanent posterior teeth free of decay or fillings were admitted to the study. Posterior teeth on one side of the mouth of each subject were randomly assigned to receive Nuva-Seal; teeth on the other side were treated with Delton. Treated teeth were examined for sealant loss approximately every 6 months for a period of 2 years. Scores for complete retention of Nuva-Seal were 86% after 6 months and 78% at the end of 2 years. The corresponding values for Delton-treated teeth were 96% and 92%. For both sealants, scores of total retention were highest in mandibular first premolars and lowest in mandibular second molars. The greatest rate of sealant loss occurred within the first 6 months after placement. A comparison of overall retention scores (net gain) for Delton and Nuva-Seal revealed that Delton scores were significantly higher than Nuva-Seal at each semi-annual examination. The McNemar test was used to compare the retention of the two sealants for each tooth type. The test showed that the retention scores for Delton were significantly higher than those for Nuva-Seal only on maxillary and mandibular first molars. <111> UI - 81160439 AU - Williams B AU - Winter GB TI - Fissure sealants. Further results at 4 years. SO - British Dental Journal 1981 Apr 7;150(7):183-7 <112> UI - 81096021 AU - Low T TI - The treatment of hypersensitive cervical abrasion cavities using ASPA cement. SO - Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 1981 Jan;8(1):81-9 AB - This study evaluated the usefulness of the alumino-silicate polyacrylate (ASPA) or glass ionomer cement in the treatment of hypersensitive cervical abrasion cavities. Various methods of treatment of hypersensitive cervical abrasion cavities have been described, and all these methods have their disadvantages. The ASPA cement was used to treat non-carious hypersensitive cervical abrasion cavities in 189 teeth from fifty-eight adult patients. The patients were followed-up for periods ranging from 6-15 months. Of the 189 treated teeth, the ASPA restoration was intact in 163 or 86.2%. Seventeen teeth or 9.0% had partial loss of the restorations and nine or 4.8% had complete loss of restorations. With regard to symptoms, 176 or 93.1% of the treated teeth were no longer sensitive to stimuli from the oral cavity following placement of the ASPA restoration. Of the fifty-eight patients, fifty-two or 89.7% were completely relieved of all symptoms. Of the remaining teeth eleven or 5.8% reported a reduction in the severity of the symptoms. Only one patient, with both restorations lost, reported no improvement. No case of pulpal death was recorded, and there was no evidence of caries at the margin of any of the restorations. The results indicate that the method is effective, and it has some distinct advantages over existing methods of treatment of these cavities. <113> UI - 81126113 AU - Jensen OE AU - Handelman SL TI - Effect of an autopolymerizing sealant on viability of microflora in occlusal dental caries. SO - Scandinavian Journal of Dental Research 1980 Oct;88(5):382-8 AB - A total of 106 molars with occlusal caries were sealed with an autopolymerizing sealant. Samples of the carious dentin were obtained 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 d, and 2, 4, 6, and 12 months after sealant placement. The samples were cultured on enriched nonselective medium, a streptococcal medium, a Streptococcus mutans medium, and a medium for acidogenic microorganisms. The bacterial counts were compared with control samples obtained from nonsealed occlusal carious lesions, half of which had acid conditioner applied to the occlusal surface for 1 min prior to sampling. The mean total viable counts decreased by approximately 99.9% during the 1-year study period, from 925.1 x 10(4) CFU/mg of sample to 0.9 x 10(4) CFU/mg of sample. Statistically, there was a very strong linear relationship (P less than 0.001) between the reduction in bacterial counts and time. A similar reduction was observed for the total streptococcal count and the S. mutans count. The etching procedure itself reduced the number of cultivable organisms by about 75%. Sealant material that was polymerized directly in culture media did not result in any inhibition of bacterial growth. Although slight fluctuations in the relative proportion of the microflora were observed at the different sampling intervals, there were no significant changes in the relative distribution of bacterial types with time. <114> UI - 81005998 AU - Horowitz HS TI - Pit and fissure sealants in private practice and public health programmes: analysis of cost-effectiveness. SO - International Dental Journal 1980 Jun;30(2):117-26 AB - Most studies of fissure sealants have concentrated on their ability to prevent caries of occlusal surfaces. The cost-effectiveness of the procedure has been generally ignored and even in those reports where values for the cost of sealant applications are given they tend to be overstated. In the majority of studies all sound teeth in one half of the subject's mouth were sealed, the other side acting as a control. Since only a proportion of the teeth sealed would have become carious this could be held to be wasteful and in a private practice where the caries profile of the subject was known, a more economical regimen could have been adopted. When sealants are applied by a dentist the cost appears likely to exceed the potential cost of restorations saved, but this could be altered if it were possible for the procedure to be carried out by auxiliaries. It is concluded that fissure sealants have a worthwhile contribution to make when used as an integral part of a total preventive regime which includes the use of professionally and self-applied fluorides. With their intelligent use it should be possible to preserve many more dentitions free of caries into adult life. <115> UI - 80204968 AU - Messer LB AU - Cline JT TI - Relative caries experience of sealed versus unsealed permanent posterior teeth: a three-year study. SO - ASDC Journal of Dentistry for Children 1980 May-Jun;47(3):175-82 AB - A clinical trial has investigated the occlusal caries experience of permanent molars and premolars, following the apparent loss of occlusal sealants applied by dental students, in comparison with that of unsealed teeth erupted for time periods similar to the sealant evaluation periods. Complete retention at one, two and three years was relatively poor. Throughout the study, premolars were superior to molars in fully retaining sealants. Regardless of the clinical condition of the sealant, a statistically significant reduction in occlusal caries-experience of sealed teeth was seen in comparison with control teeth. This relative reduction was highest at one year: 72 percent for molars and 83 percent for premolars, dropping at three years to 23 percent for molars and 64 percent for premolars. At one year, molar sealant failures showed a statistically significant, relative reduction of 41 percent in occlusal caries-experience over control teeth, suggesting as ongoing caries-inhibitory effect. Thereafter, the history of a failed sealant neither enhanced nor reduced the occlusal caries susceptibility of molars, and premolars over that of control teeth.