Results after 3 years of non-operative occlusal caries treatment of erupting permanent first molars.
The aim of the study was to describe the 3-yr results of a treatment program designed to control occlusal caries on the basis of intensive patient education and professional toothcleaning. The sample consisted of 56 children 6-8 yr old with their permanent right first molars in different stages of eruption. The results were compared with record data from 58 children of the same age who had received a traditional caries treatment program including fissure sealing (control group). After 1 yr a significant reduction of occlusal surfaces with visible plaque was noted in the study group as well as an increased proportion of arrested lesions. These results were maintained after 2 and 3 yr. Ten (9%) teeth were sealed and one filled during the study period. Examination of record data in the control group over a 3-yr period revealed that 76 (65%) first molars were sealed and 7 (6%) were filled. During the first year 1/3 of the children in the study group needed 5-6 recall visits, whereas in the following period all children were only seen 1-4 times. In contrast, 50% of the children in the control group needed 5-6 recalls in the 3rd yr. Our data indicate that professional care for erupting teeth on an individual basis has a long-term effect on occlusal surfaces as well. The alternative technique required less clinical time than the traditional application of sealants.
Carvalho
J C
JC
Department of Cardiology and Endodontics, Royal Dental College, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Thylstrup
A
A
Ekstrand
K R
KR
D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014078:Tooth Eruption; D014099:Toothbrushing
D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants