Abstract
Pit and fissure sealing with fissure sealants was performed on 221 C0 and C1 in 98 young outpatients, aged 2 to 12, visiting the Department of Pedodontics, Kyushu Dental College. The condition of the sealing was investigated for one year clinically through a scanning electron microscope.
The results were as follows:
1. The rate of retention of the sealants averaged 91.8%.
2. Based on scanning electron microscope, the main cause of the detachment of the sealants was attributed to insufficient etching and the resulting lack of adhesiveness.
3. In the cases of good retention, the transitional zone between tooth substance and sealants was very smooth regardless of the number of days elapsed.
4. Morphological remineralization of the etching surface appeared to be completed in 6 to 7 months.
5. On the basis of the foregoing, fissure sealants appear to be sufficiently practical and effective in clinical application.
