Background: Resin-based fissure sealants (FS) are recommended to prevent pit-and-fissure caries development or prevent the progression of enamel caries lesion to frank cavitation into dentine. There is still limited clinical evidence on the use of adhesive system beneath fissure sealants in permanent molars and its effect on FS retention and caries progression. Aim: The aim of this randomised clinical trial is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of fissure sealants placed with and without prior use of an adhesive system in terms of retention and caries prevention in permanent molars over the period of 2 years. Study design: Children (6-12 years of age) with high caries risk that require sealants in their first permanent molars (ICDAS 0-3) will be selected at the Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH). Molars will be stratified according to presence of caries lesions (ICDAS 0 or ICDAS1-3) and randomly allocated according to the study groups (Test group: 17% phosphoric acid + adhesive system + FS; Control group: 17% phosphoric acid + FS). The randomisation unit will be the tooth and more than one tooth can be included per child. All children will be evaluated after 12 and 24 months by calibrated independent examiners. The primary outcome of the present trial is sealant retention over time. Clinical variables such as age, gender, tooth position (upper/lower), caries experience (DMFT/dmft), stage of eruption (erupted/partially erupted) and children's behavior (Frankl scale) will be collected.
Age range
6 Years – 12 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Sealant Retention
Timeframe: Sealant retention will be evaluated after 1 and 2 years.