Arrest of non-cavitated dentinal occlusal caries by sealing pits and fissures: A 36-month, randomised controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the progression of sealed non-cavitated dentinal occlusal caries in a randomised controlled clinical trial. Materials and methods: Sixty teeth with non-cavitated dentinal occlusal caries were selected in patients with a high risk for caries. Patients were randomly divided into two groups so that each group included 30 teeth. Patients in the experiment group were given oral hygiene instructions and a fissure sealant. Patients in the control group were given oral hygiene instructions only. Caries progression and sealant loss were monitored over a period of 36 months by clinical and radiographic examinations. Results: Clinical and radiographic progression of caries was significantly more frequent in the control group than in the experiment group. Three teeth lost their sealant and showed caries progression, but this was apparent only at the 12-month follow-up. At the 24- and 36-month recall appointments, neither sealant loss nor caries progression were observed. Conclusion: The pit and fissure sealant utilised in this study was shown to be effective in arresting carious lesions at 36 months. © 2012 FDI World Dental Federation.