Clinical radiographic evaluation of sealed carious and sound tooth surfaces

The results of a 2-year radiographic assessment of 113 carious posterior teeth that were sealed with one of two sealants are presented. Little or no difference was found in radiographic ratings of caries by type of sealant. Sealant loss between annual recall visits had little or no detectable effect on radiographic ratings of caries during the study. Radiographs suggested that caries may regress in sealed teeth with early caries. The results support the safety of sealing incipient caries in pits and fissures to increase the potential uses of sealants.