Long-term follow-up of inactive occlusal caries lesions: 4-5-year results.

Zenkner, Júlio Eduardo Amaral;Dalla Nora, Ângela;Alves, Luana Severo;Carvalho, Joana Christina;Maltz, Marisa;et.al.
(2018) Clinical Oral Investigations — p. 1-7 (2018)

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Authors
  • Zenkner, Júlio Eduardo Amaralorcid-logo
    Author
  • Dalla Nora, Ângela
    Author
  • Alves, Luana Severo
    Author
  • Carvalho, Joana ChristinaUCLouvain
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  • Maltz, Marisa
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical behavior of inactive caries lesion on the occlusal sites of permanent molars over 4-5 years and to estimate the risk for progression of caries-inactive sites compared with sound ones. METHODS: Clinical examinations were conducted at baseline (n = 258) and after 4-5 years and included the recording of dental plaque and dental caries at the occlusal surfaces and the eruption stage of each permanent molar. RESULTS: One hudred ninety-three schoolchildren were followed (response rate of 74.8%), totalizing 1152 teeth. Of the children, 30.6% (n = 59) presented at least one molar containing an active lesion, filling, or that had been extracted; according to the activity criterion, inactive lesions presented around a twofold increased risk for caries progression than sound surfaces (OR = 2.34 95%CI = 1.51-3.62). Thirteen percent (n = 25) of the children presented at least one molar progressing to dentine cavity, filling, or extraction; according to the severity criterion, inactive caries lesions presented a significantly higher risk for progression when compared with sound surfaces (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.50-4.83). CONCLUSION: The vast majority of lesions (85-90%) identified as inactive enamel caries at baseline did not progress over 4-5 years. Despite this fact, it was possible to detect an increased risk for caries progression in caries-inactive occlusal sites compared with the sound ones. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considering the low progression rates, inactive caries lesions do not need a specific caries-controlling treatment and should be monitored longitudinally in the same manner as sound surfaces.
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Citations

Zenkner, J. E. A., Dalla Nora, Â., Alves, L. S., Carvalho, J. C., Wagner, M. B., & Maltz, M. (2018). Long-term follow-up of inactive occlusal caries lesions: 4-5-year results. Clinical Oral Investigations, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-018-2498-7 (Original work published 2018)