A 24-month study comparing sealant and fluoride varnish in caries reduction on different permanent first molar surfaces.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the separate effects of dental sealants and fluoride varnish on dental caries in fissured and nonfissured surfaces of permanent first molars.
Methods: A clinical trial was conducted with three groups of 6- to 8-year-old schoolchildren: a sealant group (n = 100), in which Delton was applied to first molars; a varnish group (n = 98), in which Duraphat was applied to first molars; and a control group (n = 116), which had no intervention as part of the study. Absolute and percent caries reductions were compared at 24 months.
Results: Compared to the controls, sealants resulted in a 68 percent and 87 percent reduction on fissured and nonfissured surfaces, respectively. The corresponding figures for varnish were 38 percent and 66 percent.
Conclusion: Sealant and fluoride varnish are effective in preventing caries in both fissured and nonfissured surface.