To Seal or Restore Occlusal Caries in Permanent Molar Teeth, 11-Year RCT

Area of Science:

• Dental Research
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Long-term outcomes of sealing occlusal dentin caries remain inconclusive.
• This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated postponing restorative interventions for manifest occlusal caries by using sealing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the survival of sealing until replacement by restoration.
• To assess the survival of sealing and restoration until retreatment.
• To evaluate caries progression and longevity of repaired versus unrepaired sealing.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 493 patients (6-17 years) with 341 resin sealings and 152 composite restorations.
• Annual clinical and radiographic controls over 11 years.
• Statistical analyses included χ2, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox-regression tests.

Main Results:

• After 11 years, 58% of sealings and 81% of restorations remained intact.
• Mean annual failure rates were 4-7% for sealings and 1% for restorations.
• Repaired sealings showed comparable survival rates to new sealings (p = 0.96).

Conclusions:

• Sealing is an effective treatment for occlusal enamel and dentin caries.
• This study provides a comprehensive overview of retreatment reasons and timing for occlusal sealings and restorations.