Progression of non-cavitated lesions in dentin through a nonsurgical approach: a preliminary 12-month clinical observation.

OBJECTIVE: Considering the minimally invasive approach to dentistry, the scientific community has focused on non-invasive treatments for caries lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a nonsurgical approach to arrest occlusal non-cavitated dentin lesions through glass ionomer sealing. METHODS: In this controlled clinical trial, 51 teeth with clinically non-cavitated occlusal caries radiographically located beneath the enamel-dentine junction (radiolucent area) were selected among patients presenting a moderate to high risk of caries. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group receiving an application of Vidrion-R (SS White) glass ionomer and a control group not submitted to any clinical intervention. Caries progression was monitored by clinical and radiographic examination at 4-monthly intervals over a period of one year. In addition, marginal integrity of the sealant was evaluated in the experimental group. RESULTS: Clinical examination showed no statistical difference between the groups (P=.13). On the other hand, sealed teeth presented lower caries progression when analyzed by radiographic examination (P=.004). CONCLUSION: A glass ionomer sealant over non-cavitated occlusal caries lesions in dentin may not be sufficiently effective in arresting their progression.

Efficacy of a pit and fissure sealant in arresting dentin non-cavitated caries: a 1-year follow-up, randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of conservative treatment of dentin non-cavitated caries using a resin-based fluoride-containing pit and fissure sealant. METHODS: In this controlled clinical trial, 60 teeth with clinically non-cavitated occlusal caries radiographically located beneath the enamel-dentin junction (radiolucent area) were selected among patients presenting a moderate to high caries risk. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 30 teeth each: an experimental group receiving an application of Fluorshield (Dentsply) sealant and a control group not submitted to any clinical intervention. Caries progression was monitored by clinical and radiographic examination at 4-month intervals over a period of 1 year. In addition, marginal integrity of the sealant was evaluated in the experimental group. RESULTS: Clinical and radiographic caries progression was significantly more frequent in control teeth when compared to the experimental group (P < 0.05).