Three year in vivo investigation to determine the progression of approximal primary carious lesions extending into dentine.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the proportion of a sample of approximal carious lesions extending up to 1 mm into dentine which progressed over a 3-year period and to examine factors which influenced that progression.


METHODS
Prospective, single centre, clinical study.


METHODS
Restorative Clinic at Bristol Dental School, UK.


METHODS
Sixty-five adult patients were identified who each had an approximal carious lesion which extended up to 1 mm into the dentine and which were assessed at intervals of up to 36 months. All patients were given appropriate preventive advice.


METHODS
Progression of the lesions was determined by assessment of sequential bitewing radiographs.


RESULTS
29% of the lesions progressed within 8 months, 56% by 20 months and 69% by 36 months. After 36 months, lesions which extended over 0.5 mm and up to 1 mm into the dentine were significantly more likely to have progressed (92%) compared with shallower lesions which extended up to only 0.5 mm into dentine (50%).


CONCLUSIONS
The depth of an approximal dentine lesion was the main clinical marker which related to its progression. It is recommended that operative intervention is considered for approximal lesions which extend deeper than 0.5 mm into the dentine, while preventive treatment and re-assessment may be considered for shallower lesions.
Foster
L V
LV
Department of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol Dental School.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D003804:Dentin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016300:Radiography, Bitewing; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D014100:Toothpastes; D005459:Fluorides