Self-Adhesive Flowable Composite vs Conventional Sealant in Permanent Molars Retention

This study focuses on comparing two types of dental sealants in children aged 6-8 years. The first is a self-adhering flowable composite, and the second is a conventional resin-based sealant. These sealants are applied to the newly erupted permanent first molars, with and without a procedure called fissurotomy. The main goal is to see which sealant works better and lasts longer in preventing dental caries, or cavities, in the deep grooves of these teeth. This research is important because it aims to find the best way to protect children's teeth, which could lead to fewer cavities and improved dental care. In this study, 88 children are divided into four groups. Each group receives one of the following: self-adhering flowable composite with fissurotomy, self-adhering flowable composite without fissurotomy, conventional resin-based sealant with fissurotomy, or conventional resin-based sealant without fissurotomy. The main outcome measured is sealant retention, or how well the sealant stays in place. This is evaluated using a scoring system called Simonsen's criteria. Other outcomes include the development of cavities, marginal discoloration, and marginal integrity, which are assessed using Ryge criteria. These checks are done at the start of the study, and then after 3, 6, and 12 months.