Clinical and Histological Features Observed during Arrestment of Active Enamel Carious Lesions in vivo

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine clinical and histological events taking place in vivo during the initial period of arrestment of active enamel carious le sions. For this purpose we developed lesions in vivo during a period of 4 weeks. To ensure plaque accumulation, orthodontic bands with a standardized buccal space were placed on 4 premolars in each of 4 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. After 4 weeks with local cariogenic challenge, all teeth were debanded and one tooth in each patient extracted as control. All teeth had ‘white spot lesions’ corresponding to the plaque retention area. No professional tooth cleaning was performed. The remaining teeth were extracted 1 2, or 3 weeks after debanding. No fluoride was added during the entire test period and the patients were told to maintain usual oral hygiene. A gradual regression of the lesions in terms of reduction in lesion area and degree of opacity was noted during the following 3 weeks. The polarized light examinations disclosed a prompt reaction to the removal of the bands as no further lesion progress was noted. In addition we observed a decrease in tissue porosity especially in the deepest parts of the lesions while the outer surface appeared more porous than in the base-line lesions.