A 3-year clinical study of a hybrid composite resin as fissure sealant and as restorative material for Class I restorations.

After 3 years, 78.0% of 64 reexamined fissure restorations (extended sealants) and small occlusal restorations were clinically acceptable or excellent, and 21.9% had to be repaired or replaced because they had fractured (6.3%) or were no longer clinically acceptable by some other criterion (15.6%). The conservative preventive resin restoration seems to be an effective treatment for small occlusal defects. Meticulous dental hygiene by the patient and regular examinations by the dentist are mandatory.