Closing the gap between oral hygiene and minimally invasive dentistry: a review on the resin infiltration technique of incipient (proximal) enamel lesions.
Dental caries on (proximal) tooth surfaces is still a problem in many industrialized countries. The objectives of this review were to present the scientific basis and the principles of the resin infiltration concept, to discuss the inherent clinical applications, and to describe how these backgrounds can be integrated into the concept of minimal intervention dentistry. Data were identified by searches of the Cochrane Registers, Medline, and Scopus. Articles published in English and German through December 2008 were selected, and most up-to-date or relevant references were chosen. Cross-referencing of significant articles identified additionally relevant articles written in other languages and those of historical value. A total of 23 in vitro studies (focusing on penetration depths or demineralization prevention) were found, and 3 clinical studies (involving 122 subjects) could be retrieved; these studies were not comparable. With an increased understanding of the caries process, it is now recognized that demineralized but noncavitated enamel lesions can be arrested or remineralized in many situations. The clinical research evidence on the resin infiltration technique currently is of moderate extent to reach any decisive conclusions; however, based on available laboratory and clinical studies, it seems convincing that resin infiltration of enamel lesions should reduce (or even stop) the progress of white spot lesions. Combining this ultraconservative restorative approach (which is considered microinvasive) with a substantial caries remineralization program may provide therapeutic benefits and significantly reduce both long-term restorative needs and costs, thus complementing the concept of minimal intervention dentistry.
Kielbassa
Andrej M
AM
Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, CharitéCentrum 3, University School of Dental Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. andrej.kielbassa@charite.de
Muller
Jan
J
Gernhardt
Christian R
CR
D000134:Acid Etching, Dental / Q000379:methods; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D057087:Dental Atraumatic Restorative Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003743:Dental Enamel; D003745:Dental Enamel Permeability; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D016062:Porosity; D014089:Tooth Remineralization; D014783:Viscosity
D003188:Composite Resins; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants