Pit and Fissure Sealants in Young Adults: An Evaluation of Placement Time and Retention Rate Using Two Isolation Techniques.

Abstract : Most current textbooks state that pit and fissure sealant use should be an integral part of primary prevention, especially in children, because they offer specific protection against the occurrence and progression of a specific disease, namely dental caries. The American Dental Association endorses the use of sealants as a proven effective preventive measure which will contribute to the prevention of occlusal caries. This study represents an attempt to answer two questions -- whether sealants can be retained effectively in young adults and which of two methods of isolation is more practicable from a time and retention standpoint. These questions are very germane, as both the United States Air Force and Army Dental Services are currently placing sealants in children, but question their efficacy in young adults.