Dentistry: Resin infiltration effects in a caries-active environment -- two-year results

The objective of this study was to compare carious lesion changes after resin infiltration of approximal non-cavitated lesions in a high caries risk population after two years. Resin infiltration (I=Icon, DMG-Germany) was compared to mock infiltration (C=Control) in a split-mouth RCT. Lesion progression was monitored at two levels (lesion depth rating (E2/D1/D2) and lesion depth changes within ratings) in caries-active subjects (mean DMFT=7.4+2.0, age=14-36yrs), receiving standard-of-care preventive measures including F-supplementation.

After two years, 15 tooth pairs (68% recall) in 10 patients were available for analysis. Lesion depth rating and depth increase (within ratings) were visually determined from digital radiographs by two independent examiners (intra-/inter-evaluator agreement: k>0.70). Depth increase was confirmed by digital subtraction radiography (SDR). Ratings were statistically analyzed by logistic regression. Discrete time survival analysis (logistic regression and GEE modeling) was used to examine effects of treatment on probability of lesion increase over time, controlling for baseline severity.

The researchers found that infiltration successfully stabilized early non-cavitated lesions in a small population with high caries-activity. Continuing follow-up may further confirm its efficacy.

This pilot study identified important promising trends between the plaque and salivary metabolomes from caries-active and caries-free children, despite a relatively low number of subjects.