Penetration of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Deep Carious Lesions of Human Permanent Teeth: An In Vitro Study

Background. When silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is used in conjunction with conservative caries removal in deep carious lesions, the distribution depth of silver is critical for safety and effectiveness. Objective. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of selected caries removal on silver penetration when 38% SDF is applied to deep carious lesions in permanent teeth. Methods. Extracted permanent teeth with caries extending to the inner third of the dentin were used (N = 18). The periphery of the carious lesion was completely removed to the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ). In group A (n = 9), no further removal of carious tissue was performed, leaving necrotic dentin inner to the DEJ, whereas in group B (n = 9) superficial necrotic dentin was completely removed until leathery, slightly moist, reasonably soft dentin remained. SDF was applied for 3 minutes in both groups. Microcomputer tomography (micro-CT) and field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS) were used to measure mineral density and silver distribution. The silver penetration depth/lesion depth (PD/LD) ratio was calculated for each sample. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare differences between the two groups. Results. The micro-CT analysis showed that the PD/LD ratios of group B (1.07–2.29) were marginally greater than those of group A (1.00–1.31). However, a statistically significant difference was not observed ( p value = 0.5078). When stratified by remaining dentin thickness (RDT), the PD/LD ratios of group B were still greater than those of group A only when RDT was >500 µm. The FESEM-EDS analysis indicated that silver particles precipitated throughout the entire thickness of the carious lesions. Conclusion. Applying SDF on a deep carious lesion and leaving the necrotic dentin pulpally did not affect silver penetration. However, the extent to which silver penetrates the remaining dentin beneath the lesions is dependent on the amount and characteristics of that dentin.

Comparison of Clinical Success between Three Different Materials- Direct Pulp Capping of Carious Molars- An In-vivo Study

Aim: To evaluate the clinical success of Calcium Hydroxide (CH), Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine as pulp capping materials for Direct pulp capping in carious molars. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six molars of thirty-six patients with deep caries lesions, diagnosed with reversible pulpitis were subjected to direct pulp capping treatment. They were randomly divided into three groups, Biodentine (12 teeth) or MTA group (12 teeth) or CH group (12teeth). Simple randomization of three was employed to allocate the treatment materials. Patients were recalled at one, three and six months to evaluate the clinical success of the treatment outcome. Results: In clinical trial/study, the pulp capping materials gave different success rate, 91.67% success in the Biodentine group, 75% success in the MTA group and 41.67% success in Calcium Hydroxide group. Conclusion: In our study the materials tested at 1 month, 3 month and 6-month follow-up, Calcium Silicate materials are better than calcium hydroxide and comparably Biodentine is better than MTA for Direct pulp capping. Clinical Significance: The findings of this clinical trial could promote the reliability of pulp capping materials for treatment of deep carious lesions by conservative approach rather than opting endodontic management.

Characteristics of the Deep Carious Lesions of Primary and Permanent Molars Using IOPA Radiographs

Aim: To determine the site and pattern of deep carious lesion & its consequences on coronal and radicular structures radiographically in primary molars & first permanent molars using IOPA radiographs. Materials and methods: It consisted of 200 IOPA of Deep carious of Maxillary & mandibular of primary (n=100) and permanent molars(n=100) X-rays are collected. IOPA radiographs of Deep carious lesion involving only dentin with radiolucency reaching the inner 1/3 of dentin, clinically cavitated that is RC5 Of the ICMMS criteria were taken. Blinded Radiographic evaluation was done by two persons to rule out inter examiner variability. Results: In primary molars IOPA there was statistically significant difference in Carious adjacent tooth whereas in permanent molars IOPA there was statistical difference in Diffused pattern and lost tooth structures. When compared primary and permanent molars diffused pattern and lost tooth structure showed statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The deep carious lesions definitely lead to loss of crown structure over a period of time and also capable of spread of caries to adjacent teeth due to food impaction & inadequate oral hygiene. Hence leading to loss of function and arch length.

Selective Caries Removal in Permanent Teeth (SCRiPT) for the treatment of deep carious lesions: a randomised controlled clinical trial in primary care

Background Dental caries is one of the most prevalent non-communicable disease globally and can have serious health sequelae impacting negatively on quality of life. In the UK most adults experience dental caries during their lifetime and the 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey reported that 85% of adults have at least one dental restoration. Conservative removal of tooth tissue for both primary and secondary caries reduces the risk of failure due to tooth-restoration, complex fracture as well as remaining tooth surfaces being less vulnerable to further caries. However, despite its prevalence there is no consensus on how much caries to remove prior to placing a restoration to achieve optimal outcomes. Evidence for selective compared to complete or near-complete caries removal suggests there may be benefits for selective removal in sustaining tooth vitality, therefore avoiding abscess formation and pain, so eliminating the need for more complex and costly treatment or eventual tooth loss. However, the evidence is of low scientific quality and mainly gleaned from studies in primary teeth. Method This is a pragmatic, multi-centre, two-arm patient randomised controlled clinical trial including an internal pilot set in primary dental care in Scotland and England. Dental health professionals will recruit 623 participants over 12-years of age with deep carious lesions in their permanent posterior teeth. Participants will have a single tooth randomised to either the selective caries removal or complete caries removal treatment arm. Baseline measures and outcome data (during the 3-year follow-up period) will be assessed through clinical examination, patient questionnaires and NHS databases. A mixed-method process evaluation will complement the clinical and economic outcome evaluation and examine implementation, mechanisms of impact and context. The primary outcome at three years is sustained tooth vitality. The primary economic outcome is net benefit modelled over a lifetime horizon. Clinical secondary outcomes include pulp exposure, progession of caries, restoration failure; as well as patient-centred and economic outcomes. Discussion SCRiPT will provide evidence for the most clinically effective and cost-beneficial approach to managing deep carious lesions in permanent posterior teeth in primary care. This will support general dental practitioners, patients and policy makers in decision making. Trial Registration Trial registry: ISRCTN. Trial registration number: ISRCTN76503940. Date of Registration: 30.10.2019. URL of trial registry record: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN76503940?q=ISRCTN76503940%20&filters=&sort=&offset=1&totalResults=1&page=1&pageSize=10&searchType=basic-search.

Comparison of Partial and Complete Caries Excavation in Permanent Teeth: An 18 Months Follow-up

Objective: To compare performance and survival of composite restorations in primary teeth using partial caries removal (PCR) versus complete caries removal (CCR). Methodology: In this trial, 70 permanent molars having deep caries lesions were selected and divided equally into CCR and PCR groups. The study duration was Jan-2018 to Jan-2020. In CCR group, complete dentin removal was done and confirmed by applying dentin detector dye for 10 seconds. In PCR group, visual & tactile criteria were followed for dentin removal. After dentin removal all cavities were filled using RMGIC cement resin. Follow-up was done at 06, 12 and 18 months. Results: Mean age in CCR group was 23.4+5.5 years and 25.6+4.9 years in PCR group. Male patients were 19 and 17 in CCR and PCR groups respectively (p= 0.59). Regarding lesion type, 25 patients in CCR were having occlusal and 5 having Occluso-proximal lesion. In PCR group, 27 teeth were diagnosed with occlusal lesion and 3 with occluso-proximal lesion (p=0.44). At 18 months’ follow-up, success rate was 100% in CCR group and 93.3% in PCR group (p=0.49). Pulp exposure occurred in 23.3% procedures in CCR group and none in PCR group. Conclusion: Partial caries removal has nearly similar success rates as that of complete caries removal and is associated with significantly less pulp exposure rate as compared to CCR. Keywords: Deep carious lesions, Partial caries removal, Complete caries removal, Randomized clinical trial

The Influence of Age on the Development of Dental Caries in Children. A Radiographic Study

Dental caries is a chronic disease that can be influenced by a multitude of factors. Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating habits are the most incriminating factors in the onset of dental caries, but age has been proven to impact the disease. The aim of this study was to find correlations between age and the evolution of dental caries in the first permanent molars in children. The retrospective study was conducted based on 400 panoramic radiographs, belonging to Romanian children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. All first permanent molars were investigated, and the carious lesions were classified according to their depth. The chronological age was calculated by subtracting the patient’s date of birth from the date when the radiograph was performed, while for the assessment of dental age, the Demirjian method was used. The gender of the patients did not significantly influence the number of superficial, medium, and deep carious lesions. Most of the identified carious lesions were superficial. Regarding correlations between age and dental caries, there was an association between the decrease in the chronological age and the increase in the number of superficial carious lesions on the first permanent molars and also an association between the increase in the chronological age or dental age and the increase in the number of medium and deep carious lesions on the first permanent molars. Age can impact the development of dental caries in first permanent molars.

Secondary Caries Adjacent to Bulk or Incrementally Filled Composites Placed after Selective Excavation In Vitro

Objectives: selective caries excavation (SE) is recommended for deep carious lesions. Bulk fill composites (BF) may be considered to restore SE-cavities. We compared the susceptibility for secondary caries adjacent to BF versus incrementally filled composites (IF) in SE and non-selectively excavated teeth (NS) in vitro. Methods: in 72 extracted human premolars, artificial caries lesions were induced on pulpo-axial walls of standardized cavities. The lesions were left (SE) or removed (NS), and teeth were restored using two BF, GrandioSO x-tra/Voco (BF-Gra) and SDR/Dentsply (BF-SDR), and an IF, GrandioSO/Voco (IF-Gra) (n = 12/group for SE and NS). After thermo-mechanical cycling (5–55 °C, 8 days), teeth were submitted to a continuous-culture Lactobacillus rhamnosus biofilm model with cyclic loading for 10 days. Mineral loss (ΔZ) of enamel surface lesions (ESL), dentin surface lesions (DSL), and dentin wall lesions (DWL) was analyzed using transversal microradiography. Results: ΔZ was the highest in DSL, followed by ESL, and it was significantly lower in DWL. There were no significant differences in ΔZ between groups in DSL, ESL, and DWL (p > 0.05). Regardless of lesion location, ΔZ did not differ between SE and NS (p > 0.05). Conclusions: BF and IF both showed low risks for DWL (i.e., true secondary caries) after SE in vitro, and surface lesion risk was also not significantly different between materials. SE did not increase secondary caries risk as compared with NS. Clinical Significance: the risk of secondary caries was low after selective excavation in this study, regardless of whether bulk or incrementally filled composites were used