Research Article
Rodica Luca, Arina Vinercar
Abstract
Aim. To evaluate the applicability of pit and fissure sealing on the first permanent molars in young schoolchildren according to the status of the occlusal surface of these teeth at the moment of the first visit to the Pedodontics Department. Materials and methods. The study group consisted of 126 children (62 boys) aged 6 to 9 years (8.02 ± 1.01). The initial status (sound / stained pits and fissures / decayed or filled) of the occlusal surface of 501 first permanent molars was recorded. Results. 46.03% of the children had all occlusal surfaces of their first permanent molars caries-free. 63.46% of the studied molars had sound occlusal surfaces where a pit and fissure sealant could be applied if needed. 9.78% had stained pits and fissures while 26.75 % had dentin caries, either treated or untreated. Girls have significantly more decayed/filled occlusal surfaces on first permanent molars than boys (27.45% versus 24.39%, p=0.05). Conclusions. Early carious involvement of the first permanent molar represents a serious restraint for the applicability of pit and fissure sealants even a short time after eruption. Early dental visits can increase the possibilities of applying preventive measures on this tooth.