Clinical Evaluation of Tetracalcium Phosphate Cements as a Caries Preventive Sealant for Partially Erupting Permanent Teeth

Abstract

To prevent pit and fissure caries of partially erupting permanent teeth, a cement combining tetracalcium phosphate (4CP) and CaF2 was developed. We evaluate the effects of the 4CP cement in clinical study. The caries incidence of the 4CP cement was 14% after 6 months,17% after 12 months, and 28% after 18months, while that of the control was 17% after 6 months,34% after 12 months, and 41 % after 18 months. The caries incidence of the 4CP cement was less than that of the controls in every period. The caries reduction rate of the 4CP cement was 20% after 6 months,50% after 12 months, and 33% after 18 months. These results suggest that a cement combining 4CP and 1 % CaF2 is efficient as a temporary caries preventive sealant for caries till resin sealant can be used.