Early Treatments for Preventing Occlusal Caries Lesions

Clinical Effectiveness of Early Treatments for Preventing Occlusal Caries Lesions in Erupting Permanent Molars

Sealants effectively arrest non-cavitated caries lesions on the fully erupted occlusal surface of permanent teeth. However, the clinical effectiveness of sealants is uncertain in preventing occlusal caries lesions in partially erupted permanent molars. This study aims to evaluate the progression of caries, the degree of retention, survival rate, and quality of the remnant after applying conventional total-etch resinous sealant and self-etch sealant in erupting molars.

Inclusion Criteria:

For children:

1. Children presenting with good general health and cooperative behavior.
2. Children having early caries lesions in a permanent molar (first or second).
3. Parents signed informed consent.

For permanent molars:

1. Early caries lesions on the occlusal surface corresponding to International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) scores 1 and 2. [Ismail AI, Sohn W, Tellez M, Amaya A, Sen A, Hasson H, Pitts NB. The International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS): an integrated system for measuring dental caries. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2007 Jun;35(3):170-8].
2. Erupting molars: eruption stages 2 (fully erupted occlusal surface with less than half of the crown exposed) and 3 (fully erupted occlusal surface with more than half of the crown exposed). [Carvalho JC, Ekstrand KR, Thylstrup A. Dental plaque and caries on occlusal surfaces of first permanent molars in relation to stage of eruption. J Dent Res. 1989 May;68(5):773-9].

Exclusion Criteria:

For children:

1. Any allergy reported by the parents.
2. Children unable to return for recall visits.

For permanent molars:

1. Teeth with occlusal surfaces completely covered by the gingival tissue.
2. Teeth with hypoplastic defects, restorations, or sealants.