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.