Strategies for Restoration of Compromised First Permanent Molars in Children: Challenges and Optimal Timing.

PURPOSE: To evaluate restorative strategies for compromised first permanent molars in pediatric patients, with emphasis on determining the optimal timing for intervention.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across four electronic databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. Among the 127 retrieved articles, 42 studies that met the predefined inclusion criteria were incorporated into the analysis.

RESULTS

Restoration of compromised first permanent molars can be accomplished through both direct and indirect techniques. Standardized protocols for the management of severely compromised first permanent molars are still lacking.

CONCLUSIONS

The principal determinants guiding treatment encompass patient cooperation, defect severity, dental developmental stage, pulp status and passive eruption.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High-quality research is required to establish evidence-based guidelines for the restoration of compromised molars in the pediatric population.