Longitudinal bond strength of a universal adhesive and chemical dentin characterization under different acid etching protocols

Abstract Objective This study aimed to analyze the longitudinal bond strength of a universal adhesive and chemically characterize the dentin substrate under different acid etching protocols. Methodology Dentin samples were etched with polyacrylic acid 25% (PAA) for 10 seconds (n=3) and phosphoric acid 32% (PA) for 15 seconds (n=3) and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy - attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) before and after treatment. For collagen degradation, samples (n=12) were divided into 3 groups: PAA, PA, and Deionized water (control), and analyzed by the quantity of solubilized type I collagen C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides and solubilized C-terminal peptide in relation to total protein concentration (ICTPtp and CTXtp) and by their ultimate tensile strength (UTS). For the adhesive interface analysis, dentin samples (n=72) were divided into 3 groups: PAA, PA, and Self-etch (SE), and subdivided into 2 groups: 24 h (baseline) and 1 year. The following tests were performed: microtensile bond strength (μTBS) (n=48), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (n=12), and nanoleakage (n=12). Results The FTIR of PAA showed lower reduction of the peaks in the phosphate group when compared to PA. For ICTPtp, PA showed a significantly higher value. For CTXtp, PA and PAA groups failed to statically differ from each other. UTS was significantly lower for PA. For μTBS, storage time significantly affected bond strength. The results were unaffected by the etching protocol. For SEM, after 1 year, PA had little evidence of degradation in the upper third of the adhesive interface in comparison to the other groups. Nanoleakage showed no considerable silver impregnation after 1 year in the SE group. Conclusion The use of PAA prior to a universal adhesive (when compared to PA) represents a less aggressive type of etching to dentin. However, self-etching still seems to be the best option for universal adhesive systems that have functional monomers in their composition.

PREVENTIVE EFFECT OF CRANBERRY GEL ON DENTIN SUBMITTED TO EROSION

Aims: Considering that Cranberry's components might inhibit dentin metalloproteinases exposed to erosive agents, the aim of this study was to evaluate in situeffect of a Cranberry gel application on dentin before an erosive challenge.Materials and methods: This crossover double-blinded study was performed in 2 phases of 5 days each, with 10 healthy volunteers who wore 2 palatal devices (1 for each phase) with 4 dentin specimens (2 specimens for each group). The groups under study were:First Phase: G1 -Erosivechallenge (Coca-cola®) over dentin without any previous treatment (1st negative control group); G2 -Erosive challenge over dentin previously treated with Cranberry gel (test group); and Second Phase: G3 -Erosive challenge over dentin previously treated with a gel without any active principle (2ndnegative control group); G4 -Erosive challenge over dentin previously treated with 0.12% Chlorhexidine gel (positive control group). Each device was immersed into the acid beverage, 3 times daily for 5 minutes during 5 days. Profilometry (µm) was used to quantify the dentin wear. Data were analyzed by Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance followed by Fisher's test (p<0.05).Results: Data (G1: 4.98 ± 1.36a; G2: 3.29 ± 1.16b; G3: 4.38 ± 1.19a; G4: 3.32 ± 1.55b) showed no statistical difference between G1 and G3. There was also no difference between G2 and G4. However, G2 and G4 presented lower wear when compared to G1 and G3, and this difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: The results of this studysuggest a significant efficacy of Cranberry gel in preventing wear of dentin subjected to dental erosion.

Synergistic antimicrobial potential of EGCG and fosfomycin against biofilms associated with endodontic infections

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and synergistic effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and fosfomycin (FOSFO) on biofilms of oral bacteria associated with endodontic infections. Methodology This study determined minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) and fractionated inhibitory concentration (FIC) of EGCG and FOSFO against Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces israelii, Streptococcus mutans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Monospecies and multispecies biofilms with those bacteria formed in polystyrene microplates and in radicular dentin blocks of bovine teeth were treated with the compounds and control chlorhexidine (CHX) and evaluated by bacterial counts and microscopy analysis. Toxicity effect of the compounds was determined on fibroblasts culture by methyl tetrazolium assays. Results The combination of EGCG + FOSFO demonstrated synergism against all bacterial species, with an FIC index ranging from 0.35 to 0.5. At the MIC/FIC concentrations, EGCG, FOSFO, and EGCG+FOSFO were not toxic to fibroblasts. EGCG+FOSFO significantly reduced monospecies biofilms of E. faecalis and A. israelli, whereas S. mutans and F. nucleatum biofilms were eliminated by all compounds. Scanning electron microscopy of multispecies biofilms treated with EGCG, EGCG+FOSFO, and CHX at 100x MIC showed evident biofilm disorganization and substantial reduction of extracellular matrix. Confocal microscopy observed a significant reduction of multispecies biofilms formed in dentin tubules with 84.85%, 78.49%, and 50.6% of dead cells for EGCG+FOSFO, EGCG, and CHX at 100x MIC, respectively. Conclusion EGCG and fosfomycin showed a synergistic effect against biofilms of oral pathogens related to root canal infections without causing cytotoxicity.

Insights on the role of cytokines in carious lesions / Insights sobre o papel das citocinas em lesões cariosas

Objetivo: A resposta imune da dentina-polpa à patogênese da cárie ainda é pouco compreendida devido à complexa interação dos processos envolvidos. O objetivo desta revisão foi explorar o papel das citocinas e sua relevância na patogênese da cárie dental. Resultados: A cárie dentária pode resultar em uma resposta inflamatória do hospedeiro na polpa dental, caracterizada pelo acúmulo de células inflamatórias levando à liberação de citocinas inflamatórias como, Interleucina-4 (IL-4), Interleucina (IL-6), Interleucina-8 (IL-8) e fator de necrose tumoral­α(TNF-α). IL-4 parece estar correlacionada com a profundidade das lesões cariosas; IL-6 está fortemente correlacionada com a doença cárie e é considerada um potente biomarcador; IL-8 pode ser um potente biomarcador tanto para cárie quanto para outras alterações presentes na polpa e sua liberação está correlacionada com TNF-α e IL-6; TNF-α desempenha um papel importante não apenas na progressão da cárie, mas também em outros processos patológicos. Conclusao: Mediadores específicos têm um grande potencial para servir como biomarcadores quanto à presença e progressão da doença cárie, o que incita a necessidade de mais investigações nesse campo (AU).

Objectives: The dentin-pulp immune response to caries pathogenesis is still poorly understood due to the complex interplay of the involving processes. The aim of this review was to explore the role of cytokines and its relevance in the pathogenesis of dental caries. Results: Dental caries can result in a host inflammatory response in the dental pulp, characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory cells leading to the release of inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and Tumor necrosis factor­ α (TNF- α ). IL-4 seems to be correlated to the depth of carious lesions; IL-6 is strongly correlated to caries disease and is considered a potent biomarker; IL-8 can be a potent biomarker for both caries and other changes present in the pulp and, its release is correlated to TNF- α and IL-6; TNF-α plays an important role not only in caries progression, but also in other pathological processes. Conclusion: Specific mediators have a great potential to serve as biomarkers alluding to the presence and progress of caries disease, urging further investigations in the field (AU)

In situ effect of a proanthocyanidin mouthrinse on dentin subjected to erosion

Abstract Proanthocyanidin has been shown to be efficient in inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases. Objective The aim of this in situ study was to evaluate the protective effect of Proanthocyanidin-based mouthrinses either with naturally acidic or with a neutral pH applied on dentin subjected to erosion. Methodology Eight volunteers wore one palatal device in two phases (7 days washout) with 16 samples per group (n=8). The groups under study were: First Phase/ G1 - 10% proanthocyanidin mouthrinse (pH 7.0, Experimental group 1 - Purified Grape Seeds Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins), G2 - 10% proanthocyanidin mouthrinse (pH 3.0, Experimental group 2 - Purified Grape Seeds Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins). Second Phase/ G3 - 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse (pH 7.0, Positive control group), G4 - no previous treatment (Negative control group). Each device was subjected to 3 erosive cycles (5 minutes) per day for 5 days. Treatments with different mouthrinses were applied once after the second erosive challenge (5 minutes). Profilometry was used to quantify dentin loss (µm). Results Data were analyzed by repeated measures of ANOVA followed by Fisher's test (p<0.05). G1 (1.17±0.69) and G3 (1.22±0.25) showed significantly lower wear values with no statistical difference between them. G2 (2.99±1.15) and G4 (2.29±1.13) presented higher wear values with no significant differences between them. Conclusion The 10% proanthocyanidin mouthrinse (pH 7.0) could be a good strategy to reduce dentin wear progression.

Pulp Chamber Heating: An In Vitro Study Evaluating Different Light Sources and Resin Composite Layers

Abstract The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the temperature variation inside the pulp chamber during light-activation of the adhesive and resin composite layers with different light sources. Cavities measuring 8x10 mm were prepared on the buccal surface of bovine incisors, leaving a remaining dentin thickness of 1 mm. Specimens were placed in a 37±1 °C water bath to standardize the temperature. The temperature in the pulp chamber was measured every 10 s during 40 s of light activation of the adhesive system (SBMP-3M/ESPE) and in the three consecutive 1-mm-thick layers of resin composite (Z250-3M/ESPE). Three light source devices were evaluated: Elipar 2500 (QTH), LD Max (LED low irradiance) and VALO (LED high irradiance). The results were submitted to one-way ANOVA with repeated measures and Tukey's test, both with p<0.001. The exothermic reaction warming was observed in the Z250 increments, but not in the SBMP. The high irradiance LED showed a higher temperature average (42.7±1.56 °C), followed by the quartz-tungsten-halogen light (40.6±0.67 °C) and the lower irradiance LED (37.8±0.12 °C). Higher temperature increases were observed with the adhesive and the first resin composite increment light-activation, regardless of the employed light source. From the second increment of Z250, the restorative material acted as a dispersive structure of heat, reducing temperature increases. Regardless the light source and restorative step, the temperature increased with the irradiation time. It may be concluded that the light source, irradiation time and resin composite thickness interfered in the temperature variation inside the pulp chamber.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo in vitro foi avaliar a variação de temperatura dentro da câmara pulpar durante a fotoativação de um sistema adesivo e de camadas de resina composta com diferentes fontes de luz. Cavidades com dimensões de 8x10 mm foram preparadas na superfície vestibular de incisivos bovinos deixando uma espessura de dentina remanescente de 1 mm. Os espécimes foram inseridos em uma cuba térmica com água à temperatura de 37±1 °C. A temperatura no interior da câmara foi medida a cada 10 s durante 40 s de ativação de luz do sistema adesivo (SBMP; 3M/ESPE) e três camadas de 1 mm de espessura consecutivas de resina composta (Z250; 3M/ESPE ). Três fonte de luz foram avaliadas: Elipar 2500 (QTH), LD Max (LED de baixa densidade de potência), VALO (LED alta densidade de potência). Os resultados foram submetidos a ANOVA de medidas repetidas a um critério e teste de Tukey (ambos com p<0,01). O aquecimento da reação exotérmica foi observado nos incrementos de resina composta, mas não no sistema adesivo. O LED de alta densidade de potência mostrou uma média de temperatura mais elevada (42,7±1,56 °C) seguido pela luz halogéna (40,6±0,67 °C) e o LED de menor densidade de potência (37,8±0,12 °C). Maiores aumentos de temperatura foram observados na fotoativação do sistema adesivo e do primeiro incremento de resina composta, independente da fonte de luz utilizada. A partir do segundo incremento de resina composta, o material restaurador agiu como estrutura dispersiva de calor, reduzindo o aumento de temperatura. Independente da fonte de luz e da etapa restauradora, a temperatura aumentou com o tempo de irradiação. Pode-se concluir que a fonte de luz, o tempo de irradiação, a espessura resina composta interferiram na variação de temperatura no interior da câmara pulpar.

The effect of CPP-ACP and Nd:YAG laser on the bond strength of softened dentin

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CPP-ACP treatment and Nd:YAG laser on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of softened dentin. Sixty samples were obtained from thirty sound third molars. All samples were submitted to dentin softening procedure, by the immersion of the specimens in 30 mL of Sprite Zero for 30min. Afterwards, the samples were randomly divided according to the CPP-ACP treatment: CG-Control group; MP-treated with CPP-ACP paste (MI Paste); MPP-treated with CPP-ACP+900 ppm NaF paste (MI Paste Plus). Each group was further divided according to bonding procedure: NL-No laser; L–Laser irradiation after adhesive application and before polymerization. The laser parameters used were 1.4 W, 10 Hz, 140 mJ/pulse, with an optic fiber of 320 µm, generating energy of 174 J/cm2 per pulse. All samples were restored with Clearfil SE Bond/Filtek Z350 XT. After 24 h, the restored samples were cut into beams (± 1 mm2adhesive interface area) and subjected to a µTBS test. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA test and Holm-Sidak post-hoc method (α = 0.05). The treatment with CPP-ACP pastes did not significantly affect softened dentin µTBS (p = 0.070). Statistic revealed significant reduction on µTBS values for CG/L, leading to the rejection of the second null hypothesis (p < 0.001). Both CPP-ACP based pastes did not affect µTBS of softened dentin for the adhesive system utilized. The Nd:YAG laser irradiation after application of adhesive system did affect µTBS values of softened dentin samples untreated with CPP-ACP based pastes.

Catechin-incorporated dental copolymers inhibit growth of Streptococcus mutans

Objective: To test the inhibitory growth activity of green tea catechin incorporated into dental resins compared to resins containing the broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound chlorhexidine against Streptococcus mutans in vitro. Material and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCg) and chlorhexidine (CHX) were determined according to the microdilution method. Resin discs (5 mm × 3 mm) were prepared from Bis-GMA/TEGDMA (R1) and Bis-GMA/CH3Bis-GMA (R2) comonomers (n=9) containing: a) no drug, b) EGCg, c) CHX. Two concentrations of each drug (0.5× MIC and 1× MIC) were incorporated into the resin discs. Samples were individually immersed in a bacterial culture and incubated for 24 h at 37°C under constant agitation. Cell viability was assessed by counting the number of colonies on replica agar plates. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey and Student t-tests (α=0.05). Results: Both resins containing EGCg and CHX showed a significant inhibition of bacterial growth at both concentrations tested (p<0.05). A significantly higher inhibition was observed in response to resins containing CHX at 0.5× MIC and 1× MIC, and EGCg at 1× MIC when compared to EGCg at 0.5× MIC. Also, EGCg at 0.5× MIC in R1 had a significantly higher growth inhibition than in R2. Conclusions: Both EGCg and CHX retained their antibacterial activity when incorporated into the resin matrix. EGCg at 1× MIC in R1 and R2 resins significantly reduced S. mutans survival at a level similar to CHX. The data generated from this study will provide advances in the field of bioactive dental materials with the potential of improving the lifespan of resin-based restorations.

Water sorption of CH3- and CF3-Bis-GMA based resins with additives

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of additives on the water sorption characteristics of Bis-GMA based copolymers and composites containing TEGDMA, CH3Bis-GMA or CF3Bis-GMA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen experimental copolymers and corresponding composites were prepared combining Bis-GMA and TEGDMA, CH3Bis-GMA or CF3Bis-GMA, with aldehyde or diketone (24 and 32 mol%) totaling 30 groups. For composites, barium aluminosilicate glass and pyrogenic silica was added to comonomer mixtures. Photopolymerization was effected by 0.2 wt% each of camphorquinone and N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine. Specimen densities in dry and water saturated conditions were obtained by Archimedes' method. Water sorption and desorption were evaluated in a desorption-sorption-desorption cycle. Water uptake (%WU), water desorption (%WD), equilibrium solubility (ES; µg/mm³), swelling (f) and volume increase (%V) were calculated using appropriate equations. RESULTS: All resins with additives had increased %WU and ES. TEGDMA-containing systems presented higher %WU, %WD, ES, f and %V values, followed by resins based on CH3Bis-GMA and CF3Bis-GMA. CONCLUSIONS: Aldehyde and diketone led to increases in the water sorption characteristics of experimental resins.

Protection of tooth structure by chlorhexidine and natural polyphenols: a review / Proteção da estrutura dental pela clorexidina e polifenóis naturais: revisão de literatura

Caries is a multifactorial and transmittable disease that results mainly from bacteria present in the oral cavity. Oral microorganisms can produce metabolic acids that diffuse through dental tissues and interfaces leading to dissolution of mineral. In dentine, after mineral is dissolved, organic matrix is also exposed to breakdown by host enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are activated by low pH followed by neutralization. This review aims to discuss the activity of different antibacterial and antiproteolytic compounds such as chlorhexidine and natural polyphenols in the control of caries progression.

A cárie é uma doença transmissível e multifatorial, resultante principalmente da presença de bactérias na cavidade oral. Os microorganismos orais podem produzir metabólitos ácidos que se difundem entre os tecidos e interfaces dentais levando a dissolução de minerais. Na dentina, após dissolução mineral, a matriz orgânica também é sujeita à degradação por enzimas, como as metaloproteinases (MMPs), que são ativadas pelo baixo pH seguido de neutralização. Esta revisão objetiva discutir a atividade de diferentes compostos antibacterianos e antiproteolíticos, como clorexidina e polifenóis, no controle da progressão de lesões cariosas.

Indirect pulp treatment in a permanent molar: case reort of 4-year follow-up

This case report describes th Indirect Pulp Treatment (IPT) of deep caries lesion in a permanent molar. A 16-year-old male patient reported discomfort associated with thermal stimulation on the permanent mandibular left first molar. The radiographs revealed a deep distal caries lesion, very close to the pulp, absence of radiolucencies in the periapical region, and absence of periodontal space thickening. Pulp sensitivity was confirmed by thermal pulp vitality tests. Based on the main complaint and the clinical and radiographic examinations, the treatment plan was established to preserve pulp vitality. Clinical procedures consisted of removing the infected dentin and lining the caries-affected dentin with calcium hydroxide paste. The tooth was provisionally sealed for approximately 60 days. After this period, tooth vitality was confirmed, the remaining carious dentin was removed, and the tooth was restored. At 4-year follow-up, no clinical or radiographic pathological findings were found.

Evaluation of weight loss and surface roughness of compomers after simulated toothbrushing abrasion test

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência ao desgaste de compômeros submetidos a um teste escovação simulada. A hipótese nula testada foi que não haveria diferenças em perda de massa e alterações de rugosidade superficial entre os compômeros após o teste. Os materiais empregados foram o Dyract (Dentsply), Dyract AP (Dentsply), Compoglass F (Vivadent), Freedom (SDI), F2000 (3M ESPE), comparados às resinas compostas Z100 (3M ESPE) e Silux Plus (3M ESPE). Para cada material, dez espécimes cilíndricos foram confeccionados com 5 mm de diâmetro e 3 mm de espessura. Para o teste de abrasão, uma máquina com escovas de cerdas macias e uma solução de dentifrício e água deionizada foi utilizada. Foram realizados 100.000 ciclos de escovação simulada. A perda de massa foi verificada através da diferença em porcentagem entre a massa inicial (antes da escovação) e massa final (após a escovação) através de uma balança analítica Sartorius. A alteração de rugosidade superficial foi determinada pela diferença em porcentagem entre as médias de rugosidade inicial e final, após 5 leituras aleatórias por espécime realizado pelo rugosímetro Hommel Tester T 1000 antes e depois do teste de abrasão. A análise estatística (Teste t pareado, ANOVA e Tukey, á=0,05) demonstrou que todos os materiais do estudo apresentaram perda de massa e aumento significante de rugosidade. Todos os compômeros apresentaram maior perda de massa em relação às resinas compostas. Entre os compômeros, Freedom e Dyract AP apresentaram a menor perda de massa. F2000 apresentou a maior alteração de massa sem diferenças estatísticas quando comparado ao Dyract. Quanto à rugosidade superficial, Dyract, Dyract AP, Z100, Compoglass F e Silux Plus se tornaram mais rugosos, porém sem diferenças estatísticas entre si. Freedom apresentou a maior alteração de rugosidade após o teste de escovação simulada.

Surface roughness average and scanning electron microscopic observations of resin luting agents / Alteração de rugosidade superficial e observações em microscopia eletrônica de varredura de cimentos resinosos

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a alteração de rugosidade superficial de três cimentos resinosos após submetê-los a ciclos de escovação simulada e analisar qualitativamente a sua superfície através de observações microscópicas. Os materiais empregados neste estudo foram Enforce Sure Cure (Dentsply), Rely X (3M-ESPE) e Variolink II (Vivadent). Estes foram submetidos à ciclos de escovação simulada (100.000 ciclos para cada espécime) e a alteração de sua rugosidade superficial (antes e após escovação) foi avaliada. Para cada material e condição de rugosidade, espécimes foram selecionados, metalizados e observados em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (DSM 900 Zeiss). Baseado nas observações microscópicas e nos valores de alteração de rugosidade, todos os materiais apresentaram aumento de rugosidade aritmética (Ra) após ciclos de escovação simulada porém, não estatisticamente significante.

Utilizaçao de picnômetro a gás para obtenção da contração de polimerização de resinas compostas / Measuring polymerization shrinkage of composites utilizing a gas pycnometer

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a contração volumétrica de polimerização de cinco marcas comerciais de resinas compostas. Um picnometro a gás foi empregado para determinar o volume dos espécimes antes e após a sua fotopolimerização, de forma que a contração total foi obtida. A resina composta nao-polimerizada foi inicialmente pesada em uma balança analítica, inserida na câmara de análise do equipamento (cujo volume é conhecido) e hermeticamente fechada. O volume inicial do espécime foi determinado através da alteraçao de pressao do gás hélio, quando este é injetado na câmara e depois liberado para expansao em reservatório de volume também conhecido. Neste estudo, 15 ciclos de pressurização foram realizados para a detemrinação do volume inicial para cada espécime. O valor final foi obtido através da média aritmética dos dados. Fora da câmara, os espécimes foram polimerizados em incrementose novamente pesados. Para a obtenção do volumefinal as mesmas etapas anteriormente descritas foram realizadas. A porcetagem de contração (P) foi calculadaatravés da seguinte fórmula: P = (SVi - SVf, onde SV é o volume específico e os sufixos i e f indicam as medidas iniciais e finais, respectivamente. A porcetagem de contraçao obtida para os materiais analisados variou entre 0,56 porcento e 3,26 porcento. trata-se de uma metodologia promissora, de facíl exacuçao, e seu mecanismo deve ser mais explorado para o estudo do desempenho de materiais odontológicos.

Mecanismo auxiliar de retençäo para restauraçöes extensas Classe IV: relato de um caso clínico / Auxiliary retention mechanism for extensive Class IV restorations: clinical report

Com a evoluçäo dos sistemas de uniäo e, por conseguinte, aumento dos valores de resistência adesiva, muito se questiona a respeito da indicaçäo ou näo de meios de retençäo auxiliar (mecânica) nos procedimentos restauradores. Considerando que a técnica e os recursos selecionados dependeräo diretamente de cada situaçäo clínica, este artigo tem o propósito de demonstrar um caso clínico em que a preservaçäo de um pino dentinário, em uma substituiçäo de restauraçäo, se fez importante como meio auxiliar de retençäo da restauraçäo ao dente em um caso de fratura de ângulo, assim como conservar a saúde pulpar do paciente

Cárie oculta: uma visão atual / Occulta caries: actal vision

Cáries ocultas são lesões visualizadas em dentina através de radiografias interproximais, em que, clinicamente, o esmalte oclusal se apresenta sadio ou minimamente desmineralizado. De etiologia desconhecida, muitas hipóteses estão sendo estudadas, entre elas: sua microbiota específica, deficiências estruturais e anatôicas do esmalte e a utilização do flúor. Considerando a preocupação clínica, uma vez que essas lesões têm uma progressão silenciosa e, muitas vezes, não são detectadas em exames clínicos de rotina, este trabalhoobjetiva fazer uma análise comparativa e descritiva dos aspectos clínicos, radioloógicos e histopatológicos das lesões de cárie oculta e, principalmente alertar os profissionais sobre a importância de tornar rotineira a utilização de radiografias interproximais mesmo em pacientes "livres de cárie"