The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate if Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a more conservative and effective treatment in preventing the progression of mild occlusal caries compared to fissure sealant in patients aged 20-45 years with incipient molar caries. The main question it aims to answer is:
Is SDF more effective in arresting caries progression than fissure sealant? Does SDF prevent the formation of new caries compared to fissure sealant? Researchers will compare SDF treatment to fissure sealant application to see if SDF results in better caries arrest and fewer new carious lesions.
Participants will:
Be randomly assigned to receive either SDF or fissure sealant. Have follow-up assessments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months for caries progression, arrest, and new caries formation.
Undergo clinical evaluations using visual and tactile examinations to assess caries arrest and progression and using DIAGNOdent laser fluorescence system .
Patient consulting in the outpatient clinic.
Patients with enamel caries in molars permanent teeth, according to ICDAS 1 and 2.
Provide informed consent.
Co-operative patients approving to participate in the trial.
Tooth mobility.
Signs of pulpal infection.
Severe medical conditions that would not allow management in the clinic.
Hereditary developmental defects, such as amelogenesis imperfecta or dentinogenesis imperfecta.