Sealing occlusal XXXX in adults referred for restorative treatment: 2-3 years of follow-up.

@entity75 @entity1
The aim of this study was to assess the possibility to arrest occlusal @entity75 in adults by sealant as well as to assess the presence of radiographic progression, arrest, and regression of the sealed lesions. Seventy-two occlusal @entity75 in 52 adult @entity1 referred to restorative treatment by senior lecturers at School of Dentistry, Copenhagen, Denmark were included. In case the @entity1 had more than one occlusal caries lesion, randomization between sealing and restoration was made; otherwise, the lesion was sealed. In total, 60 resin sealants and 12 composite restorations were made. Follow-up period was 25-38  months (mean   =   33  months). Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistics including kappa statistics. After 2-3  years, the dropout rate was 15%; two @entity1 did not show up for control and nine previously sealed lesions were restored by the @entity1 ' general practitioners. All 12 restorations and 39 of the remaining 49 sealants were well functioning, seven (14%) sealants were repaired/replaced due to failure, and three (6%) sealed lesions were restored due to caries progression (p   >   0.05). The radiographic assessment showed caries progression beneath five (10%) sealants, caries regression beneath one (2%) sealant, and unchanged depth beneath 43 (88%) sealants and all restorations (p   >   0.05). The majority of the referred lesions were successfully arrested by sealants, indicating the possibility for extending the criteria for sealing occlusal @entity75 in adults. However, a longer observation period is needed for final conclusion. Extending the criteria of therapeutic sealing of occlusal @entity75 in adults will lead to increased dental health.
