Histologic evaluation of adhesive restorations on dentin caries in rat molar teeth.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the progress of dentin caries under resin composite and glass-ionomer cement restorations in vivo.


METHODS
Sixteen rats were subjected to oral inoculation of the bacterial strain, Streptococcus mutans, and experimental dental caries was induced in the rats' molars. The dental caries induced in rat molars was sealed with resin composite or glass-ionomer cement without removal of the caries; the depth and width of bacterial penetration in the lesion were measured from histopathologically stained sections. Inflammatory cell infiltrations within the pulp were also examined.


RESULTS
Both bacterial penetration into dentin and caries spread were significantly reduced by sealing with glass-ionomer cement or resin composite. No significant differences in bacterial penetration and caries spread were seen between the sealing materials. Regarding the pulpal reactions, moderate to severe inflammatory cell infiltration was observed even in the sealed teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
The caries lesions could not be completely arrested by sealing alone, although their progress was slowed from an active to a chronic status.
Shimada
Yasushi
Y
Cariology and Operative Dentistry, Department of Restorative Sciences, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. shimada.ope@tmd.ac.jp
Kawashima
Masatugu
M
Higashi
Takashi
T
Foxton
Richard M
RM
Tagami
Junji
J
D000818:Animals; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000187:drug effects; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods*; D003804:Dentin / Q000382:microbiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D013047:Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000254:growth & development
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; C438313:Clearfil SE Bond; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; C409388:Protect Liner F; D019279:Resin Cements; C110713:fuji IX