Immature Permanent Molars Research Articles

Potassium nitrate in polycarboxylate cement in direct pulp capping of carious, immature permanent molars: An 18-month randomised controlled trail

AimThe current study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic success of potassium nitrate in polycarboxylate cement (KNO3/PCA) compared to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in direct pulp capping (DPC) of carious, immature permanent molars over an 18-month follow-up. Materials and methodsA two-armed parallel randomised trial included one hundred children with 104 M have been included and assigned equally. The success rate was evaluated clinically and radiographically. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the clinical and radiographic success rates. The percentage change in radiographic parameters was tested using an independent sample t-test. The effect of time on the mean values of radiographic parameters was tested using the general linear model (GLM). A significant level was set at 5%. ResultsThe overall success rates after 18 months of follow-up for KNO3/PCA and MTA were 90.4% and 92.3%, respectively (p > 0.05). Similarly, root maturation indicators showed no significant difference between the two groups over the follow-up (p > 0.05). ConclusionWith comparable clinical and radiographic results to MTA, KNO3/PCA is an effective treatment option in the DPC of carious, immature permanent teeth.

Evaluation of Different Pulpotomy Agents Used for Treatment of Immature Permanent Molars: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Evaluation of Different Pulpotomy Agents Used for Treatment of Immature Permanent Molars: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) evaluation of root canal morphology in immature maxillary third molars.

The endodontic treatment of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp is a significant clinical challenge. The success of regenerative endodontic procedure is highly dependent on disinfection of the root canal and an accurate anatomical knowledge of the root canal. The aim of this study was to use micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis to investigate the configuration of root canals in the upper permanent third maxillary molars with incomplete root development in their coronal, apical and middle third portions. Thirty immature third permanent maxillary molars were scanned using a micro-CT system. Then, we measured the diameters and areas of the root canal in the coronal, middle and apical third of the roots. The ratio between the long and short diameter of each root canal was then calculated and the canals were divided into several groups: round, oval, long oval, flat and irregular. The round configuration was not observed in the distobuccal and mesiobuccal roots in any of their anatomical regions. Oval and long oval canals predominated in the distobuccal root. The greatest variations were observed in the mesiobuccal root, with the ribbon-shaped canal predominating in the middle region and an irregular shape in the apical region. In the coronal region of the palatal canal, the round configuration predominated; in the middle third, we observed an almost equivalent distribution between round and oval configurations; apically, the oval shape predominated. In conclusion, we observed significant complexity and variation in the morphology and configuration of root canals in immature permanent molars, thus generating additional obstacles for the success of regenerative endodontics.

The effect of calcium hydroxide and double antibiotic paste on radiographic outcomes and periapical MMP-8 levels in regenerative endodontic procedures: a randomized clinical trial.

The primary goal is to evaluate the effects of two different intracanal medicaments, calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and double antibiotic paste (DAP), on radiographic outcomes during regenerative endodontic procedures (REP) of immature permanent mandibular first molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis (SIP/SAP). Additionally, the secondary goal was to evaluate MMP-8 levels during REP using two different intracanal medicaments. The study included 20 patients with immature mandibular first molars exhibiting SIP/SAP. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups based on the applied intracanal medicament. Ca(OH)2 (n=10) was prepared by mixing it with sterile distilled water, while the same amount of powdered metronidazole and ciprofloxacin were mixed and combined with sterile distilled water for DAP (n=10). MMP-8 in periapical samples were measured at baseline and on the 14th day using immunofluorometric assay. Image-J software with TurboReg plug-in was utilized to determine changes in root length, root width, radiographic root area (RRA) during the 12-month follow-up period. Data were analyzed by SPSS 25.0 (p<.05). Significant increase in MMP-8 on the 14th day compared to baseline in both groups (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the increase in MMP-8 (p>0.05). Root length significantly increased in both groups (p=0.001), with Ca(OH)2 showing a greater increase (p=0.046). Root width and RRA increased similarly in both groups at 12th month. Both Ca(OH)2 and DAP applications resulted in a significant increase in periapical MMP-8 levels. Increase in radiographic root width and root area was similar between two groups, but Ca(OH)2 led to a significantly greater increase in root length. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to validate our findings during REP of vital immature permanent mandibular molars. Clinical Trials database: NCT05581706.

Evaluation of Dental Development in Children with Pulpal Infection Due to Dental Caries in Immature Permanent First Molars

First permanent molars, are particularly susceptible to caries.This study aimed to assess the impact of early tooth development on dental caries in children. A total of 220 patients (121 girls, 99 boys) with pulpal infection due to dental caries in immature permanent first molar teeth, aged between 6 and 10.5 years, were considered for inclusion in the study group. A control group of 220 healthy patients with matched age and gender, was evaluated. The chronological age of the patients and information about the affected teeth were recorded. Dental ages were calculated using the Demirjian method. The obtained data were statistically analysed using the t-test, Mann Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, Fisher Freeman Halton test, and Pearson Chi-square test (p&lt;0.05). When comparing the differences between dental age and chronological age (DA-CA) averages between the study and control groups, DA-CA average was 0.16 in control group and 0.68 in study group. with the difference being statistically significant (p&lt;0.001). Early eruption of permanent first molar teeth due to early dental development may increase the risk of decay in these teeth.

Case series on two-stage disinfection in regenerative endodontics on permanent mandibular molar with blunderbuss canal

Background: Revascularization is a promising approach as it promotes root end closure forming healthy, thick root dentin at the apex which provides clinical and radiographic success due to the elimination of bacteria and disinfection of the canal which gives a 100% sterile environment to receive SCAP. Aim: To examine the effect of a regenerative endodontic procedure on immature necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis Method: An 8-year-old medically fit boy was referred to the department with a lingering type of pain in the immature permanent mandibular first right molar. Bleeding was induced in the root canals at the third appointment. The blood clots (scaffolds) were covered with MTA, and the tooth was restored with a composite filling. Recall sessions were scheduled after one month and 3 months, when the tooth appeared asymptomatic clinically and radiographically, with considerable periapical healing. Conclusion: An immature multirooted tooth with necrotic pulps and periapical radiolucency was managed with evident clinical and radiographic success, wherein non-setting calcium hydroxide paste and triple antibiotic paste were used sequentially to guarantee complete canal disinfection.

Single-visit regenerative endodontic procedure of necrotic immature lower permanent molar with acute apical abscess

Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) of immature teeth with necrotic pulp and apical pathosis focus on passive chemomechanical debridement and usually require multiple visits to enhance the antibacterial effect by placing intracanal medications. However, different case reports showed a favorable clinical and radiographic outcome in single-visit REPs of necrotic immature teeth with symptomatic apical periodontitis or chronic apical abscess. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published reports of single-visit REPs on cases with acute apical abscess. Therefore, this case report aimed to present a successful REP performed in a single visit for immature lower molar with necrotic pulp and acute apical abscess. A 9-year-old female patient referred for the management of the lower right molar (#46), with the chief complaint of localized moderate pain with cold drinks in the lower right molar for 1 week. The extraoral clinical examination revealed no significant findings. Intraorally, tooth #46 revealed a deep occlusal caries, with normal response to palpation, mild pain on percussion, and moderate pain to the cold test. The radiographic examination showed deep occlusal caries approaching the pulp, and periapical radiolucency related to the distal root. It was diagnosed as symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with symptomatic apical periodontitis. After accessing the pulp chamber, the radicular pulp on the mesial root was vital, while necrotic in the distal root. Therefore, vital pulp therapy was done for the mesial root, and REPs initiated for the distal root with intracanal medicament placement. However, the patient failed to show up in the scheduled visit to complete the treatment. The father refused to bring her as she was asymptomatic, and he was afraid of the COVID-19 pandemic situation. One month later, she presented to the clinic with pain and facial swelling in the lower right area of her face. Clinical examination revealed extra- and intraoral swelling related to tooth #46 (i.e., acute apical abscess) with severe pain on palpation and percussion. The patient’s parents insist to finish the treatment or extract the tooth on the same visit. Hence, a single-visit REP was done. After 20 months, clinical and radiographic examinations showed that the tooth became asymptomatic, responded to sensibility tests, and the periapical pathosis healed. It was concluded that regenerative endodontic treatment can be done in single visit in cases with acute apical abscess. It should be considered in cases of poor complaint, difficulty in accessing dental care, or pandemic curfew.

Evaluation of Bioceramic Putty in Pulpotomy of Immature Permanent Molars With Symptoms of Irreversible Pulpitis.

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of both mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and bioceramic putty (Well-Root PT) in the pulpotomy of immature permanent molars diagnosed with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis. Materials and methods The study included 30 immature permanent molars with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis in 30 healthy children aged six to eight years.They were randomly distributed into the following two groups according to the material used: group 1included 15 first permanent molars capped by MTA and group 2 included 15 first permanent molars capped by bioceramic putty. Clinical and radiographical evaluations of the treatment results were made after one week, three months, six months, nine months, and 12 months. Results The success rate in the bioceramic putty group was 93.3% clinically and radiographically after a 12 months follow-up, whereas in the group that underwent MTA treatment no cases of failure were registered with a 100% success rate. No statistical differences were observed between groups (p=0.309). The dentin bridge was formed in 60% of the MTA group and 33.3% of the bioceramic group without any statistically significant differences (p=0.272) after a 12 months follow-up. Conclusion Pulpotomy using biocompatible materials (MTA andbioceramic putty) on immature permanent molars with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis is considered acceptable and effective.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and macroscopic analysis of immature human permanent molar immersion in hydrochloric acid (HCL, 38%)

Recent literature indicates the destruction of human remains using hydrochloric acid (HCl, 38%) is often attempted to obscure the identity of victims or as a disposal method. Dentition are informative in an investigation where acid is used as a means of body disposal, as teeth are more likely to survive intact. Importantly, researchers studying acid immersion have not observed immature dentition, nor have they analyzed immature acid-treated teeth using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study analyzes the effects of HCl on immature human molars, with two goals: understanding the timing and nature of physical changes to immature molars caused by HCl immersion, and aiding in the identification and age determination of dental tissues partially or nearly completely destroyed using HCl.Our results indicated that immature human molars immersed in HCl follow a pattern of physical changes and decrease in weight as they dissolve similar to mature molars, although the timing of dissolution is affected by their smaller size and incompletely developed roots in a predictable way. With less root material present and an open root tip, we observed that HCl can more quickly penetrate the pulp cavity of immature molars. The mobile SEM images indicated immature and mature molars immersed in HCl exhibit similar changes at the microscopic level. Immature molars treated with HCl for over 18 h exhibited cracking features similar to those visible on mature molars that were difficult to differentiate from similar features on untreated teeth (both mature and immature) when images were taken at 3,000x or less. The appearance of features such as peeling layers and lamination at high magnification (6000x) were visible on both acid-treated mature and immature molars, but were not visible on untreated molars at the same level of magnification.By observing changes in the enamel and pulp cavity, it was possible to determine whether third molars were immature until approximately 18 h immersed in acid. At 42 h, it was no longer possible to determine whether the molars were immature. However, they were still easily identifiable as human teeth. In situations where teeth may no longer be identifiable macroscopically, we found that the laminating and peeling features observed on high magnification SEM imagery can be useful in characterizing acid treatment even on very small fragments of dental remains, potentially allowing investigators to determine if acid was used as a disposal method.

Comparison of MTA versus Biodentine in Apexification Procedure for Nonvital Immature First Permanent Molars: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of Biodentine apical plugs compared to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in treating immature molars with apical lesions in children. Materials and Methods: Thirty immature roots of 24 permanent lower first molars with apical lesions were randomly divided into two groups: group 1 (15 roots) treated with MTA apical plugs and group 2 (15 roots) treated with Biodentine apical plugs. Treatment radiological outcomes were assessed using the periapical index (PAI) scale after 6 and 12 months of treatment. The presence or absence of apical calcified barrier (ACB) was assessed after 12 months of treatment. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to compare the postoperative pain between the two groups after 1, 3, 7, and 14 days of treatment. PAI scores between the two groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test, the presence or absence of the ACB was compared using the chi-square test, and the VAS scores were compared using the t-test. The statistical significance threshold was set at 0.05. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the PAI between the two groups at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. After 12 months, four cases in the Biodentine group showed ACB formation, whereas ACB was not found in any case treated with MTA. The VAS scores were statistically lower in the MTA group on the first day after treatment. Nevertheless, these scores were not statistically significantly different after 3, 7, and 14 days of treatment between the two groups. Conclusions: Biodentine can be used as an apical plug to treat immature permanent molars with apical lesions in a single visit in children. Biodentine showed favorable outcomes in apical lesions healing, which was comparable to MTA but with a decreased treatment time associated with its use.

Comparison of pulpal vitalization and root canal therapy in symptomatic immature permanent molars.

Endodontic treatment of immature permanent teeth has various problems. Today, the primary goal in the treatment of such teeth is to preserve the life of the pulp so that roots can develop entirely and naturally. If vital pulp therapy can treat these teeth, the treatment will be simpler and less expensive. Therefore, this study compared vital pulp therapy (including calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement and MTA methods) and root canal therapy (RCT) in symptomatic immature permanent molars. Also, the expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 was evaluated in the gingival tissue of patients for further evaluation. In this clinical trial study, 615 patients randomly received three treatments: pulpotomy with CEM (205 cases), pulpotomy with MTA (207 cases), and root canal therapy (203 cases). The presence of periapical lesion was evaluated radiographically at three-time points: start, six months, and 12 months after treatment. The expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 was also evaluated in the gingival tissue of patients by the Real-time PCR technique. The one-year follow-up of the periapical index shows that the presence of periapical lesion at six-month follow-up in the three groups of MTA, CEM, and RCT equals 14 cases (8%), 7 cases (4%), and 40 cases (22%). The one-year follow-up equals 12 cases (7%), 9 cases (5%), and 33 cases (18%), respectively. The TLR-2 and TLR-4 gene expression results showed no statistical difference between the three groups (CEM, MTA, and RCT). Still, one year after treatment, there was a statistically different between vital pulp therapy (CEM and MTA) and root canal therapy (P<0.05). Also, the results showed no statistical difference between CEM and MTA treatment in terms of TLR-2 and TLR-4 gene expression before and one year after treatment. In general, the results showed that pulpotomy treatment using two biomaterials, CEM and MTA, is more successful than RCT treatment.

Vital pulp therapy following pulpotomy in immature first permanent molars with deep caries using novel fast-setting calcium silicate cement: A retrospective clinical study

ObjectivesTo compare the success rate of vital pulp therapy following complete pulpotomy in immature first permanent molars, during caries treatment, using novel fast-setting calcium silicate cement (Novel CSC) versus MTA. MethodsSix- to eight- years old children, who received pulpotomy of first immature permanent molar using one layer novel CSC (Protooth) or two layers slow-setting MTA (MTA Angelus) covered with glass ionomer were recalled for radiographic and clinical evaluation after two years. The effects of cement type, age, gender, jaw, anesthesia type, and restoration type were assessed on the clinical success of pulpotomy and continued root formation (apexogenesis) as the treatment outcome. ResultsOut of 366 included teeth in the study, 316 teeth were available for statistical analysis. The mean observation time was 28.2 ± 2.7 months. Novel CSC showed significantly higher clinical success rate (93.1%) compared to MTA (84.5%). Restored teeth with stainless steel crowns after pulpotomy and treatments performed under general anesthesia had a statistically significant effect on treatment outcome in contrast to age, gender, and jaw type. ConclusionThe observations of this retrospective study suggested that the success rate of vital pulp therapy following complete pulpotomy using one layer fast-setting novel CSC was significantly higher than slow-setting MTA covered with glass ionomer. Treatment under general anesthesia and restoration using stainless steel crowns influenced the treatment outcome. Clinical significanceNovel fast-setting calcium silicate cement is a promising new biomaterial for vital pulp therapy in immature permanent molars that allows complete root formation overtime with apexogenesis. Clinicians must also be aware of the importance of immediate definitive restoration and proper sealing and isolation in vital pulp therapy.

Evaluation of partial pulpotomy treatment in cariously exposed immature permanent molars: Randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to assess the outcomes of partial pulpotomy treatments using different biocompatible materials which were Biodentine®, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and calcium hydroxide (CH) in cariously exposed pulp tissue in immature permanent molars. Fifty-four teeth of 50 patients, which had cariously pulp exposures were randomly divided into Biodentine®, MTA, and CH groups for partial pulpotomy treatments and finally restored with stainless steel crowns at the same appointment. Clinical and radiographical success was evaluated by the absence of any clinical and radiographical signs and symptoms for 12 months. Also, Image J was used for the quantitative assessment of length developments for mesial and distal roots. P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Partial pulpotomy treatments showed high overall success rate (87%). On the other hand, Biodentine and MTA showed higher success rates compared to CH without any statistical significance (P = 0.09). Besides, mesial and distal root lengths displayed a continuous and significant increase in each group at sixth month follow-up (P = 0.01; P = 0.03). Favorable results demonstrated that Biodentine, MTA, and CH might be recommended as suitable agents for partial pulpotomy treatment in cariously exposed immature molars with clinical diagnosis of normal pulp or reversible pulpitis.

COMPARISON OF TWO AEROSOL-FREE CARIES REMOVAL METHODS - A SPLIT MOUTH RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Objectives: The management of deep caries lesions in immature permanent molars might be challenging in clinical practice. Minimally invasive caries removal methods can maintain apexogenesis by preventing extensive tissue loss. Here we compare the chemo-mechanical caries removal (CMCR) gel and the polymer bur in terms of time spent on caries removal, patient acceptability, and clinical success. Materials and Methods: The teeth of 30 children were randomly divided into two groups. The duration of each method, the level of cooperation during each method, and the child’s choice of caries removal method were recorded. Patients were followed at 6-month intervals for at least 2 years. Results: The difference between the patients’ preferences was not statistically significant, while the average caries removal time of the polymer bur method was significantly shorter (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The rates of apical closure without pathology in CMCR and polymer bur groups were 63.2% and 73.7%, respectively, whereas 10% of each group underwent further treatments due to the clinical and/or radiographic pathology. Conclusions: These methods were thought to serve as an interim treatment in managing immature permanent teeth with deep caries. Furthermore, these methods, which do not involve water cooling, can also minimize the risk of contamination and cross-infection.

Preoperative Factors of Immature First Permanent Molars Treated with Vital Pulp Therapy

This study aimed to analyze the preoperative factors of immature first molars treated with vital pulp therapy and to find out their correlation in pediatric patients. From May 2014 to January 2020, 523 patients and 1,242 immature first molars were investigated. Factors including age, sex, tooth location, Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), caries cavity location, and history of previous restoration were evaluated. As a result of the study, the vital pulp therapy group had 5.56 times more MIH, 3.39 times more mesial cavities, and 8.73 times more distal cavities. In order to avoid vital pulp therapy in immature first molar, early diagnosis and active management of MIH and preventive treatment of mesial and distal caries are necessary after its immediate eruption.

Evaluation of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Biodentine as pulpotomy agents in immature first permanent molars with carious pulp exposure: A randomised clinical trial.

There is insufficient evidence on the outcome of pulpotomies in carious exposed young permanent molars with newer biomaterials. This study aimed to compare Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine as pulpotomy materials in carious exposed vital immature mandibular first permanent molars. Study design: Sixty immature first mandibular permanent molars, with carious exposure were randomly assigned to an MTA or Biodentine group in a split-mouth design. After the amputation of the coronal pulp, the pulp stumps were covered with one of the study materials and coronal restorations placed. Blinded clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at baseline. Following this there were evaluations at 6, 12 and 18 months where comparisons between and within the two groups were made. A high success was observed in both groups for all outcome measures for clinical success, with no significant difference between them. The mean survival time for the Biodentine and MTA groups was (17.8 and 18 months) with 95% confidence interval (17.4-18.2) and (18 .0-18.0) months respectively. Similarly, there were no significant differences between the Biodentine and MTA groups for radiographic success (P<0.001) with an increase in root length and increasing apical closure observed in both groups. Both materials were equally effective in the treatment of cariously exposed vital immature mandibular first permanent molars.

Clinical and microbiological features of carious dentin in immature permanent molars

The present study aimed to assess the dentin lesion activity in non-superficial carious lesions affecting vital immature permanent molars and to investigate possible associations between microbiological status, clinical dentin alterations, and salivary cortisol levels. Study sample consisted of a total number of 22 immature permanent molars of 13 children. After clinical estimation of lesion activity, a fine sample of deep dentin layer was removed and inoculated on bacteria tests. Salivary cortisol was assessed using an ELISA method. Most molars were diagnosed as actively carious progressing. There was a gradual increase in the bacterial counts, with higher lactobacilli (p=0.001) and mutans streptococci (p=0.045) loads in deep carious lesions, without any salivary cortisol level association. The findings of the present study discriminate between different clinical characteristics of carious lesions, supporting a conservative cavity preparation approach.

Regenerative endodontics: a promising tool to promote periapical healing and root maturation of necrotic immature permanent molars with apical periodontitis using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF).

Currently, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apexification is recommended as the preferred treatment for permanent anterior immature necrotic teeth. Apexification treatment does not enable further development and maturation of the teeth, resulting in short roots with thin root canal walls, that often are prone to cervical fractures. This study presents the regenerative endodontic procedure (REP) as an alternative treatment for immature necrotic molars with apical periodontitis or a chronic apical abscess. REP enables periapical healing as well as root lengthening and widening of the dentinal root canal walls. Six immature first molars teeth (five mandibular, one maxillary) with apical periodontitis or chronic apical abscess were treated with REP. Patients underwent periodic follow-up visits every 3months the first year and twice a year thereafter. The final clinical examination revealed no symptoms, no gingival pockets, and no sensitivity to percussion. Cold sensitivity tests were negative. Radiographs revealed full periapical healing in all the treated molars, remarkable root lengthening, and dentinal wall thickening. REP with PRF is feasible and may have some advantages over MTA apexification since it facilitates root elongation, dentinal thickening of the root canals walls, and narrowing of the apical foramen.

Regenerative endodontic therapy of immature permanent molars with pulp necrosis: a cases series and a literature review

To present the application and the outcome of the regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) in a series of symptomatic immature mandibular molars with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis and to review the relevant literature for the documentation of the procedure as a potential treatment option. Three young male patients were referred with pain in the left mandibular region resulting from pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis of the first permanent molar. Regenerative endodontic approach was performed for the complete resolution of the lesions and the thickening of the apical root canal walls. The databases of Medline, Pubmed and Google Scholar were also searched for articles in which a regenerative approach has been undertaken for the endodontic management of immature permanent molars with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis. Follow-up examinations showed that the teeth remained functional without any signs or symptoms. Final radiographic examination at 12, 18 and 36months, respectively, revealed complete resolution of the lesions and complete apical closure in the two out of three cases. The search of the literature revealed the existence of only 25 clinical articles in which necrotic immature molars were treated by the regenerative approach. The total number of the treated teeth were 46. Regenerative endodontic approach may be applied in posterior non-vital molar teeth with a possible favorable outcome. However, the literature support for the documentation of the procedure as a predictable and reproducible treatment option in posterior immature molar teeth is at present limited.

Caries Prevalence and Severity in Immature Permanent First Molar Teeth in Sanliurfa City, Turkey Molar Teeth in Sanliurfa City, Turkey

The prevalence of dental caries, a major public health problem in high-income countries, is gradually increasing in many low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and severity of caries in the immature permanent first molars (PFMs) of children aged 7–9 years. Methods: This work is a retrospective analysis of caries in immature PFMs as observed from the panoramic radiographs of patients aged 7–9 years who presented to the pediatric clinic. The mean number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) and caries severity of immature PFMs were assessed. Results: A total of 3,112 PFMs from 778 patients were included in the study; 51.2% of the patients had at least one carious PFM. When caries prevalence was stratified by age, prevalences of 41.2%, 51.6%, and 60.4% were observed for children aged 7, 8, and 9 years, respectively. The relationship between age and presence of caries was statistically significant (p<0.01). The ratio of teeth with extensive-stage caries relative to all PFMs was 10.5%. Conclusions: In this study, the prevalence of caries in the immature PFMs of children aged 7–9 years was 51.2%, and the mean DMFT was 1.19. The finding that approximately 10% of PFMs exhibit extensive caries within 2–3 years after eruption is a serious concern.