Retention rate of giomer S-PRG filler containing pit and fissure sealant applied with or without etching: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Background Pit and fissure sealant is a micro-invasive modality for treating deep and retentive pits and fissures to prevent and/or stop occlusal caries. Every effort needs to be done to enhance sealant retention and survival. The aim of this research is to assess the retention rate of giomer S-PRG filler containing pit and fissure sealant applied with or without etching. Methods Overall, 52 patients were included in this trial and they were allocated randomly in 2 groups (n = 26). Group 1 (control group) received giomer sealant (Beautisealant, Shofu, Kyoto, Japan) without an etching step, and group 2 (intervention group) received the same but with a separate preparatory etching step before the sealant application. The retention rate of the sealant was assessed over one year at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Intergroup comparison between categorical variables was done using the chi square test, while intragroup comparison was done using Cochran’s q test followed by multiple comparisons. Relative risk was used to evaluate the clinical significance. Survival rate was analyzed using Kaplan-meier and Log-rank test. Results Intergroup comparison between both techniques revealed statistically significant difference within different follow up periods (P < 0.05). Intragroup comparison within both giomer sealant with etching group and giomer sealant without etching group revealed statistically significant difference between different follow-up periods (P < 0.001). There was 69% less risk for total loss or partial loss of giomer sealant with etching when compared to giomer sealant without etching after 12 months. Conclusion An initial preparatory step of etching to the enamel surface is crucial before giomer sealant application to enhance its bonding, increase its retention and promote its survival. Trial registration Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04929782. Registered 14 July 2024 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06509451

Keywords

• Pit and fissure sealant
• Giomer
• Etching
• Retention