Effect of a resin-based and a glass-ionomer sealant on the treatment of noncavitated occlusal caries lesions in teenagers

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the study was to use clinical outcomes and digital radiographs to compare the effects of two types of sealant materials on the treatment of noncavitated occlusal caries lesions regarding their progression or arrest in teenage permanent molars. Methods: The sample consisted of 28 teeth from 20 patients aged 11-15 years with random distribution to receive either a resin-based sealant (Fluroshield ®, Dentsply, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Gres group) or a glass-ionomer sealant (RIVA Protect ®, SDI, São Paulo, Brazil; Ggis group). Caries progression was monitored by clinical evaluation and radiographic examination. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Fisher′s exact test, and radiographic data were analyzed by Student′s t-test for paired data (P ≤ 0.05). Results: There were no significant differences between the clinical outcomes of both groups regarding the sealant retention, thermal sensitivity, and development of new caries lesions adjacent to the sealed surface. There was an increase in the radiographic density coefficient (carious dentin density/sound dentin density) at the end of the study for the Gres group ( P = 0.003), but the coefficient for the Ggis group was similar for both time points ( P = 0.49). Conclusions: Radiographic features showed an increase in the mineralization of the caries lesions when the teeth were sealed with a resin-based sealant; however, both techniques may be considered an adequate clinical approach for controlling the progression of the lesions.