title: Treating root-surface caries.
abstract: This article summarizes the effectiveness of restorative materials used to restore root surfaces, the mechanisms by which these materials reduce caries, and placement techniques for restoring root-surface lesions. Patients may be classified into low, medium, and high caries risk groups for root caries, and specific dental restorative material recommendations are made for each category. Effective plaque control, xylitol-containing chewing gums, antimicrobial agents, fluoride-releasing restorative materials, topically applied fluoride, and fluoride-containing toothpastes provide maximum protection for the high caries risk patient.
authors.affiliation: Operative Dentistry and Biomaterials, 1100 Florida Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70179, USA. jburge@lsuhsc.edu
authors.forename: John O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Burgess
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Gallo
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020770:Compomers; D003188:Composite Resins; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000150:complications; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D017213:Root Caries / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D020770:Compomers; D003188:Composite Resins; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D003723:Dental Amalgam