EVALUATION OF CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF TWO TYPES OF FISSURE SEALANT MATERIALS PLACED ON THE FIRST AND SECOND MOLARS OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY UNIT B INSTITUTE OF ORAL HEALTH MAHARAGAMA

Background: Occlusal surfaces of first and second permanent molars are highly susceptible to dental caries in children and adolescents. Pit and fissure sealants are widely used for prevention of occlusal caries. Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of pit and fissure sealants in a hospital-based paediatric population. Methods:The descriptive cross-sectional study included assessment of 48 children aged 6-13 years who received fissure sealants at the Restorative Dentistry Unit B, Institute of Oral Health, Maharagama. Fissure sealants were assessed at a single follow-up visit during routine annual reviews for retention and development of new caries. Results: Total retention was observed in 77.1% of teeth; 83.3% remained caries-free. Glass Ionomer-based sealants showed slightly higher retention and caries-free rates than resin-based sealants, though differences were not significant. Frequent sugary snack consumption was the only significant predictor of new caries.