title: Arresting caries by sealants: results of a clinical study.
abstract: In each of 14 patients, one bilateral occlusal carious lesion was sealed and the other lesion was left open as a control. The control lesions showed patterns of sudden increases in cavity depth, as well as evidence of being active bacteriologically; whereas, with one exception, the sealed lesions were inactive bacteriologically. The residual carious material in the sealed lesions suggested a complete cessation of the carious process. No clinical or radiologic signs were seen to suggest that the health of the sealed tooth had been compromised.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Mertz-Fairhurst
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Schuster
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Fairhurst
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003804:Dentin / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants