Is pit and fissure sealing of buccal surfaces useful in reducing incidence of caries of first permanent molars?

Authors

  • S Cianetti Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical School, University of Perugia
  • G Lombardo Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical School, University of Perugia
  • M Bravi Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical School, University of Perugia
  • S Grandini Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, Dental School, University of Siena

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2016.3.4.193

Keywords:

Buccal caries, Extra-occlusal caries, First lower permanent molar, Pit and fissure sealing

Abstract

AIM: The aim of the study was to establish whether caries prevalence on the buccal surfaces of first lower permanent molars (FLPMs) can be compared to those on the occlusal surfaces in order to justify the utility of extending pit and fissure sealing also to the extra-occlusal surfaces. METHODS: Design: an observational study was carried out in the children population (n779) aged 14 years (mean age 7.68, SD 3.53) that presented at the Paediatric Dentistry Department of the University of Perugia. In the study were included 460 patients, and absolute frequency (number) of FLMP occlusal and buccal caries, together with their ratio and their difference in percentage, were recorded and analysed. Moreover, FLMP buccal caries variation related to age, sex and parent's nationality were calculated.