Does incomplete caries removal reduce strength of restored teeth?

Little information is available about whether the presence of residual caries beneath an occlusal restoration affects fracture strength of the tooth. This in vitro study tested the hypothesis that restored teeth after incomplete excavation have lower fracture strengths than restored teeth after complete excavation. Fourteen pairs of molars were randomly assigned to an experimental (incomplete excavation) or to a control group (complete excavation) and loaded vertically (after cyclic loading).

Long-term performance of resin based fissure sealants placed in a general dental practice.

Objectives: The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term performance of resin based fissure sealants applied in a general dental practice.

Methods: Regularly attending patients visiting the practice between July 2006 until November 2007 and who had received sealants before 1st of January 2000 were included in the study. Date of placement of a sealant in posterior non-discoloured permanent teeth and replacement by a restoration was recorded.

Can caries fissures be sealed as adequately as sound fissures?

Sealing caries fissures is considered an appropriate treatment option for arresting the caries process. However, little information is available regarding the sealing of occlusal cavitated dentin lesions. The hypothesis tested in this in vitro study was that no difference in microleakage and sealant penetration depth exists between cavitated and sound sealed fissures when a resin is used.

Microleakage and sealant penetration in contaminated carious fissures.

Objectives: The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of an adhesive system on microleakage and sealant penetration depth in carious fissures after different surface contamination circumstances.

Methods: Extracted third molars (n=128) with small occlusal cavitated carious lesions were randomly divided into eight experimental groups and sealed under four different surface conditions. 1, Dry conditions; 2, water contamination; 3, saliva contamination; 4, saliva contamination and air-drying.

[Sealing of pits and fissures].

Sealing of pits and fissures depends on patient- and tooth factors. Prevention of occlusal carious is indicated for children with a high caries risk and especially when the morphology makes teeth more susceptible for developing caries (deep pits and fissures). Good occlusal caries diagnosis is difficult and a golden standard does not exist.