Clinical Efficacy of Giomer-based Sealant and Conventional Resin-based Pit and Fissure Sealant on First Permanent Molars: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The use of pit and fissure sealants has been widely recognized as an effective preventive measure for posterior teeth, as they are more prone to dental caries. Aim: To clinically evaluate and compare the efficacy of Giomer-based sealant with conventional resin-based pit and fissure sealant in permanent first molars in 6–8-year-old children. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 124 first permanent molars in 31 children aged 6–8 years were included. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group, Giomer-based pit and fissure sealant (Beautisealant), and a control group resin resin-based pit and fissure sealant (Clinpro). The application time of sealant placement was noted. Sealants were clinically evaluated for retention, marginal integrity, and marginal discoloration, plaque accumulation, and occurrence of new carious lesions in sealant-applied teeth on the day of application, at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Results: Sealant retention rates at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up in the intervention group were 70.96%, 48.3%, and 40.32% and the control group was 95%, 75%, and 60%, respectively. Marginal integrity of sealants at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up in the intervention group was 62.9%, 43.5%, and 29.1% and the control group was 90%, 71.7%, and 60%, respectively, which was statistically significant. The intervention group reported no occurrence of new caries in contrast to the control group, which showed 20% carious lesions in sealant lost teeth, which was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Giomer-based pit and fissure sealants confer immunity against dental caries despite sealant loss as small surface-pre-reactive glass ionomer filler particles penetrate deep pits and fissures and have fluoride-releasing and recharging properties. Hence, it can be used as a fissure sealant for permanent molars.