Efficacy of sealing the mesial surfaces of first permanent molars with respect to the status of the distal surfaces of the second primary molars in children at high caries-risk

Aim This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of sealants at preventing caries development or arresting the progression of non-cavitated mesial carious lesions in first permanent molars (6m) with respect to the status of the distal surfaces of the second primary molars (05d). Method The study population comprised 121, 8- to 10-year-old schoolchildren in a high-caries community in Valparaiso, Chile. They were examined clinically and radiographically and screened for caries-related risk factors using the risk-assessment software program Cariogram. The children were divided into three groups: Group A, with no caries lesions on adjacent surfaces of 05d–6m, served as a control group. Group B, with caries on 05d, received a preventive sealant on the caries-free 6m after temporary separation, and Group C, with carious 05d, received a therapeutic sealant on a 6m with initial lesions. Standardised follow-up radiographs were taken in 110 children after 12–14 months. Results In group A, with no treatment, the mean percentage of sound surfaces that developed caries lesions was 3.8 %. In group B, the mean percentage of sound 6m surfaces that developed caries lesions was 4.9 % for sealed and 22.0 % for unsealed surfaces ( p