Evaluation of the effect of brushing with pumice on pit and fissure sealant retention

Pit and fissure sealant, is considered as a safe and effective method to prevent dental caries especially at the occlusal surface of permanent posterior teeth. There are several reporting controversies on the use and absence of tooth prepare before sealant application, and its effect on sealant retention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of brushing with pumice on pit and fissure sealant retention, in an invivo situation. Methods & Materials: A clinical trial was performed on a group of 31children with the Total of 100 permanent teeth. Teeth were divided randomly into two groups of case and control,. In each person similar sealant material was applied on teeth. In the case group, brushing step with pumice was omitted before etching the enamel. Sealant retention was then evaluated after a 6 month period using chi – square test. Retention between two groups, were not statistically significant using chi - square test. There was 77% of success observed in the case group compare to 72% in control group. Therefore, the failure rate estimates 23% in case and 28% in control group. Brushing with pumice did not have a great effect on clinical sealant retention (after 6 month), and removing this step seams not interfering with the sealant retention.