Deep Caries Lesions after Incomplete Dentine Caries Removal

40-Month Follow-Up Study

Maltz, M.
Oliveira, E. F.
Fontanella, V.
Carminatti, G.

^aDepartment of Social and Preventive Dentistry and ^bDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Odontology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, and ^cDepartment of Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Marisa Maltz, Faculty of Odontology, UFRGS, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2492, CEP 90035-003, Bom Fim, Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil), Tel. +55 51 3316 5247 ext. 5193, Fax +55 51 3316 5002, E-Mail [email protected]

Received: November 16, 2005, Accepted after revision: July 30, 2007, Published online: October 5, 2007

Caries Research 41(6):p 493-496, November 2007.

Radiographic changes after indirect pulp capping (32 teeth in 27 patients) were studied for up to 36–45 months. Radiolucent zone (RZ) depth and tertiary dentine formation were assessed qualitatively and changes in radiographic density (by image subtraction) in RZ and control areas (CA) were estimated. During follow-up there were 1 pulp necrosis, 1 pulp exposure, 3 fractures and 3 withdrawals. Twelve cases showed decreased RZ depth and 4 displayed tertiary dentine. No changes with time in density of CA or RZ, or in the difference between them, were observed. It is concluded that indirect pulp capping arrests lesion progression, suggesting that complete dentine caries removal is not essential for caries control.