The effect of the Er: YAG laser on the clinical success of hydrophilic fissure sealant: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of the Er:YAG laser on the clinicalsuccess of a hydrophilic fissure sealant over 12 months.Subject and MethodsThis study was conducted on 132 permanent first molars from 44 (19 girls and 25boys) patients aged 7-11 years. The teeth were divided into three groups. The firstgroup (Group A-control) of teeth were etched with phosphoric acid, the secondgroup of teeth (Group L) were etched with an Er:YAG laser, and the third group ofteeth (Group A+L) were etched with both the Er:YAG laser and phosphoric acid.Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline and at 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-monthfollow-up visits. The data were analyzed with Pearson chi-square tests, Cochran Qtests and Kaplan-Meier analysis.ResultsAt the end of the 12 months, total retention rates were 72.7%, 59.1%, and 65.9% inthe acid group, the laser group and the laser and acid group, respectively. Althoughthere was no statistically significant difference between group retention rates(p>0.05), the lowest retention rate was found in the laser group at the end of the12-month follow-up period. No new caries were observed in any group during thestudy period.ConclusionEtching with the Er:YAG laser, phosphoric acid or a combination of both methodsprovided similar results for the clinical success of hydrophilic based fissure sealant.