Table 1 Study characteristics and results of the included studies
Study | Country | Design | Follow-up duration (months) | Number of patients (drop out) | Age range (years) | Tooth Location | Preparation method | Isolation | Sealant | Outcome variables | P value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Durmas 2017 [22] | Turkey | RCT, split-mouth | 18 | 51 (9) | 7–10 | T: #26, #36 C: #16, #46 | T: acid-etch+Er: YAG laser C: acid-etch | Cotton rolls | Grandio Seal (VOCO) | Retention rate, incidence of caries | Retention rate: 3mo P = 0.49; 6 mo P = 0.31; 12 mo P = 0.01*; 18mo P = 0.02*; Incidence of caries: P > 0.05 |
Kumar 2016 [23] | India | RCT, split-mouth | 12 | 50 (3mo = 5; 6mo = 6; 9mo = 7; 12mo = 11) | 6–12 | #16, #26, #36, #46 | T: Er, Cr: YSGG laser C: acid-etch | Rubber dam | Clinpro Sealant (3 M ESPE) | Retention rate, patient acceptability | Retention rate: 3mo P = 0.12; 6mo P = 0.76; 9mo P = 0.85; 12mo P = 0.78 Patient acceptability: P = 1.000 |
Karaman 2013 [24] | Turkey | RCT, parallel design | 24 | 16 (0) | 20–23 | Permanent premolars and molars | T: Er, Cr: YSGG laser C: acid-etch | Cotton rolls | Clinpro Sealant (3 M ESPE) | Retention rate, incidence of caries | Retention rate: 6mo P>0.05; 12mo P>0.05; 18mo P>0.05; 24mo P>0.05 |
Walsh 1996 [25] | Australia | RCT, split-mouth | 36 | 20(12mo = 2; 18mo = 12;36mo = 19) | 15–38 | Permanent premolars and molars | T: carbon dioxide laser C: acid-etch | Cotton rolls | Delton Clear (Johon& Johnson Dental Care Company) | Retention rate | 3mo NR; 6mo NR; 12mo P = 0.41 |
Shindova 2018 [26] | Bulgaria | RCT, parallel design | – | 64 (0) | 6–12 | Intact teeth with no decay on the occlusal surface | T: Er: YAG laser+acid-etch C: acid-etch | Cotton rolls | Pit and fissure sealant (DMP Ltd) | Dental anxiety | P>0.05 |