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Introduction: In contemporary preventive dentistry there are numerous experimental in vitro and clinical studies on the growing number of materials for sealing pits and fissures. Aim: the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of occlusal tooth morphology on penetrating abilities of two types of fissure sealants and measure the unfilled space at the bottom of occlusal groove using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 10 freshly extraced intact premolars and 10 molars randomly divided into 4 groups. In group I (5 premolars), and group II (5 molars) glass ionomer Fuji VII was used as fissure sealant, while in groups III (5 premolars) and IV (5 molars) resin-based sealant (Helioseal-F) was used. Six sections of each tooth were prepared for SEM. Sealant penetration was observed at 30x magnification and the unfilled space at the bottom of the groove at 500x. Sealant penetration in relation to the absolute depth of occlusal grooves was recorded and the unfilled space beneath the sealant was expressed through its greatest diameter. Results were statistically analyzed using χ2 test. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in penetration ability and the unfilled space between tested materials or teeth groups. The average depth of penetration for glass ionomer was 83% and for resin-based sealant 81% of fissure depth. Mean diameters of the unfilled space beneath the sealants were 95 μm (glass ionomer) and 93 μm (resin-based sealant). Shallower penetration of both sealing materials was observed in deep pits and fissures with greater diameter of unfilled space (p

Sistemic fluoride ingestion has been found to be more effective in its caries- reducing benefits on the smooth surfaces than on the pit and fissures. A greater vulnerability to pit and fissure caries determines the need for occlusal surface specific protection. The objective of this study was to investigate clinical effectiveness of 5 different composite sealants during an 18- month observation period. Tested materials were: Superlux Seal-opak (composite with filler particles), Superlux Seal-transparent Estiseal and Fissurit (clear), and Fissurit F (composite with fluoride). They were evaluated according to modified Cvar&Ryge criteria for: retention (R), marginal adaptation (MA), marginal discoloration (MD), surface texture (ST), and secondary caries (SC). The materials were applied in 87 children 6-7 years of age, on 215 first permanent molars, two different materials for each patient. The results were tested for statistical significance by .2 and Fisher's T-test. The results showed good clinical performance of all tested materials with no statistically significant differences. High effectiveness in occlusal caries prevention rated from 97,30% for Fissurit F, and 98% for Superlux Sealopak, to 100% for all other tested sealants. Pit and fissure sealing is an effective prophylactic measure which should be part of the preventive program.