Indications for fissure sealants and their role in children and adolescents.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this article is to summarize and interpret present knowledge and evidence on the effect of fissure sealing permanent first and second molars in children and adolescents with two commonly used materials resin sealants and glass ionomer sealants. Also, to identify important gaps in our knowledge. The results show that the conclusions from systematic reviews differ in several aspects, and that important knowledge gaps still exist, such as the costs and benefits of sealing low- versus high-risk populations. The effect of sealing noncavitated caries lesions is uncertain and possible differences in effect between resin sealants and the high viscosity glass ionomers need to be investigated.