In vitro Evaluation of Resin Infiltrant Penetration into White Spot Lesions of Deciduous Molars.

INTRODUCTION

Caries Infiltration is a recent microinvasive restorative technique that permits treatment of non-cavitated demineralized lesions, known as White Spot Lesions (WSL).

AIM

To evaluate the extent of penetration of a commercially available resin caries-infiltrant into natural WSL occurring in deciduous tooth enamel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Deciduous molars with natural WSL on any smooth surface were selected and sectioned into halves to yield equal control and experimental groups. Therefore, 25 samples in the control group were untreated whereas 25 samples in the experimental group were treated with caries-infiltrant according to the manufacturer's instructions. Samples were then evaluated under cross-polarized light microscope. Lesion Depth (LD) and Penetration Depth (PD) of the caries-infiltrant were measured quantitatively and descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS

Mean LD (standard deviation) for all samples (n=50) was 367(±182) μm. Caries-infiltrant demonstrated varying depths of resin penetration into the natural white spot lesions of deciduous molars. Mean PD (standard deviation) was 352 (± 141) μm.

CONCLUSION

Resin-infiltrants can deeply and predictably penetrate enamel porosities in natural WSL in deciduous molars and impede lesion progression and prevent cavitation.