The conservative occlusal restoration which involves replacement of discrete carious areas with resin composite followed by an overlying fissure sealant is called?

• A. Inlay
• B. Onlay
• C. Preventive Resin Restoration (PRR)
• D. Crown

Answer: (C)

The main idea is a conservative approach to early occlusal caries that combines restorative and preventive steps. In this technique, discrete carious areas in pits and fissures are removed and restored with resin composite, and the overlying pits and fissures are then sealed with a fissure sealant. This not only restores the tooth surface but also blocks future bacterial ingress, helping arrest decay while preserving as much sound tooth structure as possible. It’s a minimally invasive method aimed at preventing progression of caries rather than opting for more extensive restorations. In contrast, an inlay or onlay requires an indirect restoration and removal of more tooth structure with lab fabrication, and a crown covers much of the tooth, both of which are more invasive and not focused on the preventive sealant concept after selective caries removal.