Occlusal restoration using fissure sealant instead of "extension for prevention"

This study was conducted to determine the success of a conservative cavity preparation using the principle of "sealing for prevention" rather than cavity "extension for prevention". Three hundred and twenty one restorations were placed in 234 teeth of 110 subjects, ages six to fourteen, with a mean age of eight years. After three years, 273 restorations were examined. Caries appeared in ten teeth and sealant wear occurred in sixteen restorations. Complete sealant loss was observed in two restorations and partial loss in thirty-nine, leaving 224 restorations with complete retention of the sealant. These preliminary results demonstrate that conservative cavity preparation with sealing for prevention is a successful technique which conserves valuable tooth structure.