Efficacy of sealing the mesial surfaces of first permanent molars with respect to the status of the distal surfaces of the second primary molars in children at high caries-risk

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of sealants at preventing caries development or arresting the progression of non-cavitated mesial carious lesions in first permanent molars (6m) with respect to the status of the distal surfaces of the second primary molars (05d).

Method: The study population comprised 121, 8- to 10-year-old schoolchildren in a high-caries community in Valparaiso, Chile. They were examined clinically and radiographically and screened for caries-related risk factors using the risk-assessment software program Cariogram. The children were divided into three groups: Group A, with no caries lesions on adjacent surfaces of 05d-6m, served as a control group. Group B, with caries on 05d, received a preventive sealant on the caries-free 6m after temporary separation, and Group C, with carious 05d, received a therapeutic sealant on a 6m with initial lesions. Standardised follow-up radiographs were taken in 110 children after 12-14 months.

Results: In group A, with no treatment, the mean percentage of sound surfaces that developed caries lesions was 3.8%. In group B, the mean percentage of sound 6m surfaces that developed caries lesions was 4.9% for sealed and 22.0% for unsealed surfaces (p < 0.05). In group C, the progression of therapeutically sealed carious lesions on 6m was 3.0% compared with 41.2% for unsealed carious control surfaces (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: These results suggest that sealing sound surfaces and non-cavitated caries in the proximal mesial surfaces of permanent molar teeth effectively prevents or reduces the progression of caries adjacent to lesions on the distal surfaces of the second primary molars.