Monitoring pit and fissures using transparent sealant and fluorescence intraoral camera, 12 months follow up

The aim of this in vivo study is to report on the combined useof a fluorescence intraoral camera and transparent sealant for theclinical monitoring of pits and fissures. 96 permanent molars witha ICDAS II code 0, 1, or 2, (in 48 patients aged 12–14) were registeredat the First Observation Unit (Oral and Maxillofacial SciencesDepartment), Sapienza University, Rome. Clinically selectedteeth were double-checked using a VistaCam iX Proof (Durr DentalAG) and sealed with a transparent sealant (ControlSeal, VOCOGmbH), following the established indications for use if a pit andfissure condition was confirmed within the camera’s internal cutoffpoint of 1.5 (“early enamel demineralization”). Clinical followupwas performed using VistaCam at 6 and 12 months to assesssealant retention and any demineralization trend. At baseline,57.4% of the registered teeth were sound, both visually and whenusing the fluorescence camera, 42.6% presented an early demineralization(<1.5 with VistaCam and ICDAS II 1- 2). SubsequentVistaCam assessment of surfaces underlying the transparent sealanttotally confirmed initial evaluations. Complete sealant retentionrated 95% at 6 months, and 91% at 12 months. No case ofcomplete detachment was observed. At the 12-month follow-up,VistaCam measurements resulted stable in the whole sample, exceptfor one permanent molar, which presented a demineralizationincrement and partial sealant retention. Visual and fluorescenceassessments were consistent and feasible. Incomplete sealantretention occurred in 5% of cases at 6 months and 9% of cases at12 months and was probably due to procedure imperfections. Thecombined use of transparent sealant and a fluorescence camerashows clinical effectiveness and diagnostic efficacy for occlusalsurface monitoring.