LAUSR

BACKGROUND Bonding before sealant application enhances retention on saliva-contaminated sound teeth; however, there are few studies of bonding's efficacy on sealant retention on occlusal caries. AIM To evaluate a bonding agent's efficacy on sealant retention on occlusal caries and caries-transition. DESIGN One hundred twenty pairs of first permanent molars with occlusal caries (ICDAS 2-4) from 98 children aged 7.3-9.9 years were included. One molar was randomly selected to use bonding (Adper™ Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE) applied before sealant application (Helioseal®clear, Ivoclar Vivadent). Bonding was not used on the contralateral tooth. Retention was determined using Simonsen's criteria, caries-transition was evaluated using ICDAS scores, DIAGNOdent values, and bitewings at baseline, 6-, 12-, and 24-months. Data were analyzed with McNemar' s and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS Bonding agent use significantly increased sealant retention rates (p<.001). Bonded (B) sealants had a higher retention rate (83.3%) than nonbonded (NB) sealants (53.7%). The difference in the caries-transition rate was not significant between the groups (p>.05). Three teeth (1.4%; NB:B=2:1) were restored due to radiographic dentin-caries progression. CONCLUSIONS Using a bonding agent before applying sealant on permanent molar occlusal caries (ICDAS 2-4) significantly enhanced sealant retention. Caries progression was rarely detected at the 24-month follow-up.