Cost-effectiveness of selective caries removal versus stepwise excavation for deep caries lesions.

A multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of two treatments for deep caries lesions in permanent molars - selective caries removal (SCR) to soft dentin with restoration in a single visit, and stepwise excavation (SW) - regarding pulp vitality for a 5-year follow-up period. The present study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of these treatments. Treatments were conducted in two Brazilian cities (Brasília and Porto Alegre). At baseline, 299 permanent molars (233 patients) were treated and 229 teeth (174 patients) were evaluated after 5 years. The discounted cash flow method was adopted. The total cost of each treatment was calculated, and the failure cost (endodontic treatment + restoration) was added to the final cost, according to the 5-year failure rates of each therapy (20% for SCR and 44% for SW). A public health service unit composed of three dentists in 4-hour work shifts was used to calculate the monetary value of the treatments, assuming a total of 528 treatments/month. Considering the 229 teeth evaluated after 5 years (115 SCR and 114 SW), SCR provided savings of 43% (amalgam) and 41% (resin composite) per treatment, compared to SW. The SCR technique provides benefits for public finances (direct economy) and for public health services (increase in the number of treatments performed). Considering that maximizing profit and reducing costs are powerful motivating factors for adopting a certain treatment, this study provides data to better support the decision-making process, regarding the management of deep caries lesions in permanent molars.

Chapter 9.3: Current Concepts of Caries Removal in Daily Practice.

Although the discussion about the amount of carious dentin to be removed during cavity preparation is quite old, concepts for caries removal have evolved and changed considerably over the last decades. The antiquate understanding that it was necessary to eliminate the microbial contamination of a cavity before placing the restoration was replaced by the current knowledge that maintaining contaminated dentin beneath restorations is inevitable and is not associated with treatment failure. This chapter brings together the body of evidence behind carious dentin removal to indicate a conservative treatment, aiming to preserve both tooth vitality and structure. Studies that evaluated the effects of sealing contaminated dentin are described, which are focused on different outcomes, such as microbiological counts, clinical characteristics, laboratory analysis, and radiographic findings. Long-term studies and randomized clinical trials also support the current recommendations. After addressing the available literature on this topic, this chapter concludes that (1) the amount of carious dentin to be removed should be defined by lesion depth; (2) sealing and/or selective caries removal to firm dentin is recommended for the management of shallow and moderate lesions; (3) the selective caries removal to soft dentin in a single session is indicated for deep caries lesions aiming to preserve tooth vitality; and (4) the use of a cavity liner after selective caries removal seems to be an unnecessary clinical step.

Classification of a patient's caries activity based on lesion activity assessment among adults: findings from a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the classification of a patient's caries activity based on lesion activity assessment can predict the increment and progression of coronal and root caries lesions among adults. METHODS: This population-based prospective cohort study followed 413 individuals (mean age 54.1) from southern Brazil for 4 years. Data collection included a questionnaire and clinical examination to record coronal/root caries and gingival recession. The main outcomes were caries increment measured as decayed, missing and filled tooth surfaces (DMFS) and caries progression (surface-level analysis). The main predictor variable was patients' caries activity at baseline ("caries-inactive" or "caries-active"). Negative binomial regression models (unadjusted and adjusted) were used. RESULTS: Caries-active individuals were more likely to present DMFS increment than caries-inactive ones when migrations among DMFS components were considered (IRR [incidence risk ratio] = 1.26, 95%CI [confidence interval] = 1.01-1.58). On the other hand, no such association was found when these migrations were disregarded. The risk for coronal caries progression on filled surfaces was 90% higher among caries-active patients (IRR=1.9; 95%CI=1.4-2.6). In addition, patient's caries activity was able to predict higher risk for root caries progression in newly exposed root surfaces (IRR=1.9; 95%CI=1.0-3.6). CONCLUSION: The classification of a patient's caries activity based on lesion activity was able to foresee lesion progression on the coronal and root surfaces more susceptible to caries among adults. Clinical relevance Classifying a patient's caries activity is a useful tool for the clinical management of dental caries in adults.

Cost-effectiveness of selective caries removal versus stepwise excavation for deep caries lesions

Abstract A multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of two treatments for deep caries lesions in permanent molars - selective caries removal (SCR) to soft dentin with restoration in a single visit, and stepwise excavation (SW) - regarding pulp vitality for a 5-year follow-up period. The present study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of these treatments. Treatments were conducted in two Brazilian cities (Brasília and Porto Alegre). At baseline, 299 permanent molars (233 patients) were treated and 229 teeth (174 patients) were evaluated after 5 years. The discounted cash flow method was adopted. The total cost of each treatment was calculated, and the failure cost (endodontic treatment + restoration) was added to the final cost, according to the 5-year failure rates of each therapy (20% for SCR and 44% for SW). A public health service unit composed of three dentists in 4-hour work shifts was used to calculate the monetary value of the treatments, assuming a total of 528 treatments/month. Considering the 229 teeth evaluated after 5 years (115 SCR and 114 SW), SCR provided savings of 43% (amalgam) and 41% (resin composite) per treatment, compared to SW. The SCR technique provides benefits for public finances (direct economy) and for public health services (increase in the number of treatments performed). Considering that maximizing profit and reducing costs are powerful motivating factors for adopting a certain treatment, this study provides data to better support the decision-making process, regarding the management of deep caries lesions in permanent molars.

Efficacy of 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel on non-cavitated enamel lesions: a randomized clinical trial.

A randomized controlled parallel clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the association of 1.23% topical professional acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel with oral hygiene and dietary instructions on the arrest of active non-cavitated lesions in permanent, mixed, and temporary dentition in children between 3 and 12 years of age. Ninety-eight caries-active children were randomly divided into two groups: a fluoride gel group (n = 49) and a non-fluoridated gel group (n = 49). Each group received up to eight weekly applications of gel, weekly professional toothbrushing with oral hygiene instructions and dietary counselling. Caries lesions were assessed qualitatively through visual-tactile criteria performed in three stages: initial, intermediate, and final. Regression models were applied to identify risk indicators for caries control. Between-group comparison regarding the time taken to arrest the lesions was performed using Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. Seventeen children did not receive the allocated intervention, and one was lost to follow-up (n = 80). There was no difference between the control and placebo groups regarding the time to the arrest of the lesion (p >.05). The treatments showed similar results without significant statistical difference (p = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.32-1.48). No adverse effects were observed. It can be concluded that no additional effect of the association of 1.23% APF gel with oral hygiene using fluoride dentifrice and dietary instructions on the arrest of active non-cavitated lesions could be established. We can also confirm the importance of toothbrushing frequency and, consequently, the visible plaque reduction in the control of caries activity. RBR-37V5S3.

Remoção seletiva de tecido cariado e proteção pulpar indireta: relato de casos clínicos / Selective caries removal and indirect pulp capping: clinical cases report

Objetivo: este artigo se propõe a discutir o tratamento de lesões profundas de cárie em molares permanentes, através da técnica de remoção seletiva de tecido cariado e restauração de resina composta, em dois casos clínicos, utilizando apenas sistema adesivo (caso 1) ou proteção pulpar indireta com cimento de hidróxido de cálcio (caso 2). Relato de casos: os indivíduos foram diagnosticados com dentes apresentando lesões profundas de cárie, isto é, com mais de 50% em profundidade da dentina, confirmada pelo exame radiográfico interproximal. O conjunto de resultados de testes de sensibilidade pulpar positivo ao frio e teste de percussão horizontal e vertical negativos, juntamente com a ausência de dor espontânea e normalidade do periápice (radiografia periapical), completaram os requisitos exigidos para execução da técnica de remoção seletiva de dentina cariada amolecida. Os dentes receberam restaurações adesivas na mesma sessão, sobre a dentina cariada amolecida da parede pulpar que havia recebido forramento de cimento de hidróxido de cálcio ou não, dependentes de uma randomização. Ambos os casos apresentados mostraram sucesso clínico em acompanhamento de 18 meses, tanto na manutenção da vitalidade pulpar quanto na sobrevivência da restauração. Considerações finais: com base nos casos apresentados, sabendo das limitações deste modelo de estudo, e em concordância com a literatura, a remoção seletiva de tecido cariado pode ser executada com sucesso no tratamento de lesões profundas de cárie, respeitando-se todos os passos da técnica, e parece não haver necessidade de uso de proteção pulpar indireta.(AU)

Objective: this article aims to discuss the treatment of deep caries lesions in permanent molars through the selective caries tissue removal technique and composite resin restoration of two clinical cases, using only an adhesive system (case 1) or an indirect pulp protection of calcium hydroxide cement (case 2). Cases report: the participants were diagnosed with deep caries lesions, that is, more than 50% in depth of the dentin involved, which was confirmed by the interproximal radiography. In both cases, it was obtained positive response to cold test, negative response to horizontal and vertical percussion tests, absence of spontaneous pain and no periapical lesion (periapical radiography), which completed the requirements for performing the selective caries removal of soft dentin. These teeth received adhesive restorations in the same session, under the softened carious dentin of the pulp wall that had received calcium hydroxide cement or not, depending on randomization. Both cases had clinical success in the 18-month follow- -up, showing pulp vitality and restoration survival. Final considerations: based on the clinical cases reported, considering de limitations of this study model, and in agreement with the literature, the selective removal of carious tissue can be successfully performed in the treatment of deep carious lesions, respecting all the steps of the technique and indirect pulp protection seems to be unnecessary.(AU)

Restorations after selective caries removal: 5-Year randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the survival of restorations placed in deep caries lesions after selective caries removal to soft dentin (SCRSD) over a 5-year period. A secondary aim was to investigate whether the material (amalgam or resin composite) affected the survival of restorations. METHODS: This study used data derived from a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial (Clinical trials registration NCT00887952). Inclusion criteria were: patients with permanent molars presenting occlusal or proximal deep caries lesions (≥1/2 of the dentin thickness on radiographic examination), positive response to a cold test, absence of spontaneous pain, negative sensitivity to percussion, and absence of periapical lesions. The teeth were randomized into SCRSD and restoration in a single visit or stepwise excavation (SW). Each of these groups was divided according to the filling material: amalgam (AM) or resin composite (RC). Survival analyses were performed to estimate therapy success rates over 5 years (adjusted Weibull regression model). RESULTS: 172 restorations were evaluated, 95 from SCRSD group and 77 from SW group, being 61 AMG and 111 RC. The 5-year survival analysis showed similar success rates for SW (76 %) and SCRSD (79 %) as well as for AM and RC (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that, after a 5-year follow-up period, the presence of decayed tissue beneath restorations in deep caries lesions did not seem to affect restoration survival. Amalgam and resin composite restorations had similar survival rates, irrespective of the caries removal technique used - SCRSD or SW. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Selective caries removal to soft dentin can be used in the management of deep caries to avoid pulp exposure and preserve tooth structure without affecting restoration longevity.

Enamel Subsurface Caries-Like Lesions Induced in Human Teeth By Different Solutions: A TMR Analysis.

This study assessed the effectiveness of models for developing subsurface caries lesions in vitro and verified mineral changes by transverse microradiography (TMR). Enamel blocks from permanent (n=5) and deciduous teeth (n=5) were submitted to lesion induction by immersion in demineralizing solutions during 96 h, followed by pH cycles of demineralization (de) and remineralization (re) for 10 days. Two de-/re solutions were tested. Demineralizing solution "A" was composed by 2.2 mM CaCl2, 2.2 mM KH2PO4, 0.05 M acetic acid, with pH 4.4 adjusted by 1 M KOH. Demineralizing solution "B" was composed by 2.2 mM CaCl2, 2.2 mM NaH2PO4, 0.05 M acetic acid and 0.25 ppmF, with pH 4.5 adjusted by 1M KOH. Solution "A" produced cavitated lesions in permanent teeth, whereas solution "B" led to subsurface lesions in deciduous teeth. Solution "B" was then tested in enamel blocks from permanent teeth (n=5) and subsurface lesions were obtained, so that solution "B" was employed for both substrates, and the blocks were treated with slurries of a fluoride dentifrice (1450 ppm F, as NaF, n=5) or a fluoride-free dentifrice (n=5). Solution "B" produced subsurface lesions in permanent and primary teeth of an average (±SD) depth of 88.4µm (±14.3) and 89.3µm (±15.8), respectively. TMR analysis demonstrated that lesions treated with fluoride-free dentifrice had significantly greater mineral loss. This study concluded that solution "B" developed subsurface lesions after pH cycling, and that mineral changes were successfully assessed by TMR.

Indirect pulp protection after selective caries removal: a preliminary 6 months randomised controlled trial / Proteção pulpar indireta após a remoção seletiva de tecido cariado: acompanhamento de 6 meses de um ensaio clínico randomizado controlado

This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of using indirect pulp protection with calcium hydroxide liner or universal adhesive over a period of 6 months in deep caries on permanent teeth after selective removal to soft dentin. The sample con-sisted of 68 patients with 55 molars and 21 premolars with deep caries lesion (with radiographic involvement ≥ 50% dentin deep caries), (median age 27 [distribution 7-54 years]), with signs of pulp vitality (positive respon-se to cold test, absence of spontaneous pain, negative sensitivity to percussion tests, absence of radiographic imaging suggestive of periapical lesion) and absence of cuspid loss. After selective removal to soft dentin, the test group received a universal adhesive (n = 38), whereas the control group indirect pulp protection with Calcium hydroxide (n = 38). All teeth were restored with compo-site resin. The successful outcome for pulp vitality was assessed after six months. The results were submitted to the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Log Rank test. The baseline variables were analyzed for their distribution in the two treatment groups by x2 test and showed a similarly distributed between groups. Success rates to pulp maintenance vitality were 95.5% for the control group and 96.7% for the test group (P = 0,986). Two cases of failure were recorded, one pulp necrosis (control group) and one pulpitis (test group). There is no difference between the use of calcium hydroxide or only universal adhesive in indirect pulp protection after selective removal to soft dentine followed by composite restoration at six months of follow-up, showing a high rate of success for both treatments.

Este ensaio clínico controlado randomizado avaliou a eficácia da proteção pulpar indireta com ci-mento de hidróxido de cálcio ou apenas adesivo universal na remoção seletiva de dentina amolecida em dentes permanentes após 6 meses de tratamento. A amostra consistiu de 68 pacientes com 55 molares e 21 pré-molares com lesão profunda de cárie (envolvimento radiográfico ≥ 50% da dentina), (mediana de idade 27 [distribuição 7-54 anos]), com sinais de vitalidade pulpar (resposta positiva ao teste frio, ausência de dor espontânea, sensibilidade negativa aos testes de percussão, ausência de imagem radiográfica sugestiva de lesão periapical) e ausência de perda cúspidea. Após remoção seletiva o grupo teste recebeu adesivo universal (n = 38) e o grupo controle cimento de hidróxido de cálcio (n = 38) como proteção pulpar indireta. Todos os dentes foram restaurados com resina composta. Os re-sultados de vitalidade pulpar foram avaliados após seis meses e submetidos à análise de sobrevivência de Kaplan-Meier e ao teste Log Rank. As variáveis explanatórias iniciais foram analisadas quanto à sua distribuição nos grupos de tratamento pelo teste x2 e mostraram distribuição similar. O sucesso na manutenção da vitalidade pulpar foi de 95,5% para o grupo controle e 96,7% para o grupo teste (P = 0,986). Duas falhas foram registradas, uma necrose pulpar (grupo controle) e uma pulpite (grupo teste). Resultados sugerem que não há diferença entre o uso de hidróxido de cálcio e/ou apenas adesivo universal após remoção seletiva de dentina amolecida e restauração de resina composta em 6 meses de acompanhamento, com alta taxa de sucesso nos dois tratamentos.

Enamel subsurface caries-like lesions induced in human teeth by different solutions: a TMR analysis

Abstract This study assessed the effectiveness of models for developing subsurface caries lesions in vitro and verified mineral changes by transverse microradiography (TMR). Enamel blocks from permanent (n=5) and deciduous teeth (n=5) were submitted to lesion induction by immersion in demineralizing solutions during 96 h, followed by pH cycles of demineralization (de) and remineralization (re) for 10 days. Two de-/re solutions were tested. Demineralizing solution "A" was composed by 2.2 mM CaCl2, 2.2 mM KH2PO4, 0.05 M acetic acid, with pH 4.4 adjusted by 1 M KOH. Demineralizing solution "B" was composed by 2.2 mM CaCl2, 2.2 mM NaH2PO4, 0.05 M acetic acid and 0.25 ppmF, with pH 4.5 adjusted by 1M KOH. Solution "A" produced cavitated lesions in permanent teeth, whereas solution "B" led to subsurface lesions in deciduous teeth. Solution "B" was then tested in enamel blocks from permanent teeth (n=5) and subsurface lesions were obtained, so that solution "B" was employed for both substrates, and the blocks were treated with slurries of a fluoride dentifrice (1450 ppm F, as NaF, n=5) or a fluoride-free dentifrice (n=5). Solution "B" produced subsurface lesions in permanent and primary teeth of an average (±SD) depth of 88.4µm (±14.3) and 89.3µm (±15.8), respectively. TMR analysis demonstrated that lesions treated with fluoride-free dentifrice had significantly greater mineral loss. This study concluded that solution "B" developed subsurface lesions after pH cycling, and that mineral changes were successfully assessed by TMR.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a efetividade de modelos para o desenvolvimento de lesões de cárie subsuperficiais in vitro e verificou alterações minerais por microradiografia transversal (TMR). Blocos de esmalte de dentes permanentes (n = 5) e decíduos (n = 5) foram submetidos à indução de lesão por imersão em soluções desmineralizadoras durante 96h, seguido de ciclos de pH de desmineralização e remineralização por 10 dias. Duas soluções des-/re foram testadas. A solução desmineralizadora "A" foi composta por 2,2 mM de CaCl2, 2,2 mM de KH2PO4, 0,05 M de ácido acético, com pH de 4,4 ajustado por 1 M de KOH. A solução desmineralizadora "B" foi composta por 2,2 mM de CaCl2, 2,2 mM de NaH2PO4, 0,05 M de ácido acético e 0,25 ppmF, com pH de 4,5 ajustado por 1 M de KOH. A solução "A" produziu lesões cavitadas em dentes permanentes, enquanto a solução "B" apresentou lesões subsuperficiais em dentes decíduos. Portanto, a solução "B" foi posteriormente usada em blocos de esmalte de dentes permanentes (n = 5) e lesões subsuperficiais foram obtidas. Portanto, a solução "B" foi empregada para ambos os substratos, sendo metade deles tratada com dentifrício fluoretado e a outra metade com dentifrício livre de flúor. A solução "B" produziu lesões subsuperficiais de cárie com profundidade de 88.4µm (14.3) em dentes permanentes e com 89.3 µm (15.8) em dentes decíduos e TMR demonstrou que lesões tratadas com dentifrício sem flúor tiveram maior perda mineral. Este estudo concluiu que a solução "B" desenvolveu lesões subsuperficiais após o ciclo de pH e as alterações minerais foram avaliadas com sucesso por TMR.

Estudo retrospectivo da efetividade de uma abordagem de tratamento não invasiva para inativação de lesões de cárie dentária não cavitadas em pacientes infantis / Effectiveness of a non-invasive treatment protocol for incipient enamel carious lesions in a child population: a retrospective study

Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade de uma abordagem de tratamento não invasiva para a inativação de lesões não cavitadas de dentes decíduos e permanentes realizada na Clínica Infanto-Juvenil (CIJ) da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (FO-UFRGS), identificando os fatores clínicos do paciente e associando-os ao sucesso clínico do tratamento. Métodos: Foram incluídos 55 prontuários de pacientes que receberam instruções de higiene bucal, controle de dieta e aplicações tópicas de flúor (ATF) na CIJ da FO-UFRGS entre 2016 e 2018. Foram coletados dados demográficos e clínicos referentes a avaliação da atividade de cárie dentária na consulta inicial e após o tratamento realizado: índice de placa visível (IPV), índice de sangramento gengival (ISG) e o número médio de dentes permanentes cariados, perdidos e restaurados (CPO-D) e/ou número médio de dentes decíduos cariados, extraídos ou com indicação de extração e restaurados (ceo-d). Na análise estatística foram utilizados os testes Qui-quadrado de Pearson, Exato de Fisher e Wilcoxon, nível de significância: p < 0,05. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa quando se comparou as variáveis idade, sexo, IPV, ISG e ceo-d/CPO-D com o sucesso do tratamento. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa comparando o IPV inicial com o final (p = 0,016) e número de lesões não cavitadas ativas inicial e final (p < 0,001), mas não houve diferença para o ISG inicial e final (p = 0,324). Conclusão: Baseado nos achados da redução do IPV e da redução no número de lesões não cavitadas ativas ao final do tratamento, sugere-se que a abordagem de tratamento não invasiva para inativação de lesões de cárie dentária não cavitadas aplicada na CIJ da FO-UFRGS é efetiva.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a non-invasive treatment on the arrest of non-cavitated caries lesions of primary and permanent teeth performed at the Pediatric Clinic (PC) at the Dental Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (DT-UFRGS), identifying the patient's clinical factors and associating them with the clinical success of the treatment. Methods: This study included 55 patient's medical records who received oral hygiene instructions, diet control, and topical fluoride applications (TFA) at the PC of DT-UFRGS between 2016 and 2018. Demographic and clinical data regarding the evaluation of caries activity in the initial visit and after the performed treatment were collected: visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and DMF-T caries index (average number of decayed, missing, and restored permanent teeth), and/or dmf-t (average number of decayed, extracted or with recommendation for extraction, and restored deciduous teeth). Pearson's Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis, significance level: p < 0.05. Results: No significant difference was observed when the variables of age, gender, VPI, CBI, DMF-T/dmf-t were compared with treatment success. A statistically significant difference was found when comparing the initial with the final VPI (p = 0.016), as well as the number of initial and final active non-cavitated carious lesions (p < 0.001), but no difference was identified for the initial and final GBI (p = 0.324). Conclusion: Based on the findings of VPI reduction and reduction in the number of active non-cavitated carious lesions upon completion of treatment, it is suggested that the non-invasive treatment for arrestment of non-cavitated carious lesions applied at the PC of DT-UFRGS is effective.

Estudo retrospectivo da efetividade de uma abordagem de tratamento não invasiva para inativação de lesões de cárie dentária não cavitadas em pacientes infantis / Effectiveness of a non-invasive treatment protocol for incipient enamel carious lesions in a child population: a retrospective study

Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade de uma abordagem de tratamento não invasiva para a inativação de lesões não cavitadas de dentes decíduos e permanentes realizada na Clínica Infanto-Juvenil (CIJ) da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (FO-UFRGS), identificando os fatores clínicos do paciente e associando-os ao sucesso clínico do tratamento. Métodos: Foram incluídos 55 prontuários de pacientes que receberam instruções de higiene bucal, controle de dieta e aplicações tópicas de flúor (ATF) na CIJ da FO-UFRGS entre 2016 e 2018. Foram coletados dados demográficos e clínicos referentes a avaliação da atividade de cárie dentária na consulta inicial e após o tratamento realizado: índice de placa visível (IPV), índice de sangramento gengival (ISG) e o número médio de dentes permanentes cariados, perdidos e restaurados (CPO-D) e/ou número médio de dentes decíduos cariados, extraídos ou com indicação de extração e restaurados (ceo-d). Na análise estatística foram utilizados os testes Qui-quadrado de Pearson, Exato de Fisher e Wilcoxon, nível de significância: p < 0,05. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa quando se comparou as variáveis idade, sexo, IPV, ISG e ceo-d/CPO-D com o sucesso do tratamento. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa comparando o IPV inicial com o final (p = 0,016) e número de lesões não cavitadas ativas inicial e final (p < 0,001), mas não houve diferença para o ISG inicial e final (p = 0,324). Conclusão:Baseado nos achados da redução do IPV e da redução no número de lesões não cavitadas ativas ao final do tratamento, sugere-se que a abordagem de tratamento não invasiva para inativação de lesões de cárie dentária não cavitadas aplicada na CIJ da FO-UFRGS é efetiva.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a non-invasive treatment on the arrest of non-cavitated caries lesions of primary and permanent teeth performed at the Pediatric Clinic (PC) at the Dental Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (DT-UFRGS), identifying the patient's clinical factors and associating them with the clinical success of the treatment. Methods: This study included 55 patient's medical records who received oral hygiene instructions, diet control, and topical fluoride applications (TFA) at the PC of DT-UFRGS between 2016 and 2018. Demographic and clinical data regarding the evaluation of caries activity in the initial visit and after the performed treatment were collected: visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and DMF-T caries index (average number of decayed, missing, and restored permanent teeth), and/or dmf-t (average number of decayed, extracted or with recommendation for extraction, and restored deciduous teeth). Pearson's Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis, significance level: p < 0.05. Results: No significant difference was observed when the variables of age, gender, VPI, CBI, DMF-T/dmf-t were compared with treatment success. A statistically significant difference was found when comparing the initial with the final VPI (p = 0.016), as well as the number of initial and final active non-cavitated carious lesions (p < 0.001), but no difference was identified for the initial and final GBI (p = 0.324). Conclusion: Based on the findings of VPI reduction and reduction in the number of active non-cavitated carious lesions upon completion of treatment, it is suggested that the non-invasive treatment for arrestment of non-cavitated carious lesions applied at the PC of DT-UFRGS is effective.

Manejo odontológico da Síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber: relato de caso / Dental management of Rendu-Osler-Weber Syndrome: case report

A Telangiectasia Hemorrágica Hereditária (THH) ou Síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber (SROW) é uma displasia fibrovascular sistêmica que apresenta alterações na camada muscular da parede dos vasos sanguíneos. Isto faz com que os vasos sejam sujeitos a rupturas frequentes.Este diagnóstico pode ficar a cargo do cirurgião dentista visto que os primeiros sinais podem ser observados em boca. Podem ser identificados telangiectasias e hemorragias na mucosa bucal.Por segurança, o manejo odontológico deste paciente deve ser focado na sua condição de saúde geral. Assim, este artigo tem por objetivo a descrição de um caso clínico de tratamento odontológico de uma paciente com SROW, esclarecendo as principais características dessa síndrome e relatando as peculiaridades do seu manejo.

The Rendu-Osler-Weber Syndrome or Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare systemic fibrovascular dysplasia, which causes a defect in the elastic and muscle layer of the blood vessel wall, turning them more vulnerable to traumas and spontaneous ruptures. The dentists can play an important role in this diagnostic because the first signs often appear in the mouth, such as telangiectasia and recurrent bleeding in the oral mucosa. The management of this patient should be appropriate to its systemic profile to ensure the safety and effectiveness of dental treatment. This work aims to describe the main characteristics of this syndrome, its peculiarities and limitations of management during dental treatment, followed by the presentation of a clinical case.

Cárie radicular: um problema odontológico crescente e de impacto / Root caries: an increasing and striking dental problem

A cárie radicular é um problema crescente em termos epidemiológicos. Essa situação está vinculada ao envelhecimento das populações, que, a partir dos esforços preventivos da odontologia, têm chegado à terceira idade com dentes. Em períodos anteriores, os idosos apresentavam grandes perdas dentária, o que mudou substancialmente na contemporaneidade. Assim, os dentes ficam mais tempo expostos à cavidade bucal, com as eventuais consequências dessa exposição, entre as quais se inclui a doença periodontal, que tem aumentado como envelhecimento da população. Isso implica que os indivíduos mais velhos também tenham recessões gengivais, com exposição radicular, o que deixa a superfície da raiz vulnerável aos processos de cárie. Aliado a isso, o processo de envelhecimento saudável da população vem acompanhado de suas naturais consequências, assim como do incremento da prescrição medicamentosa, que, muitas vezes, está associada à redução de fluxo salivar. Tendo em vista também a maior suscetibilidade das superfícies radiculares ao desafio ácido da dieta, o consumo de carboidratos assume papel primordial no processo etiopatogênico da cárie. Por isso é importante que a odontologia esteja preparada para atuar de forma preventiva e terapêutica em relação à cárie radicular. O objetivo desta coluna é fazer uma reflexão sobre o manejo clínico da cárie radicular, para que possa não ter impactos negativos para os indivíduos e populações, que incluem perdas dentárias e de trabalhos restauradores anteriores, assim como da capacidade mastigatória e da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal...

Root caries is a growing epidemiologic problem in dental health. This condition is associated to aging of populations which, due to preventive efforts of the dental profession is getting older with teeth. In other times, elderly people presented high scores of tooth loss and this has been significantly changed contemporarily. As a consequence, teeth are exposed to the oral cavity for longer periods. Eventually, consequences such as periodontal diseases are observed, and have increased with aging of the population. Gingival recession, and exposure of the root surfaces are also observed in elderly, making roots more vulnerable to caries process. Additionally, even a healthy aging process if the population is accompanied by natural consequences, notwithstan-ding the use of medical prescriptions which, frequently, is associated to reduced salivary flow rates. Also taking into consideration the higher susceptibility of root surfaces to the acid challenge from the diet, the consumption of carbohydrate assumes a core role in the etiopathogenesis of the carious process. Therefore, it is important for the dental profession to be prepared to act both preventive as well as therapeutically in relation to root caries. The aim of this paper is to discuss the clinical management of root caries, in order to decrease potential negative effects for individuals and populations, including tooth loss, loss of existing restorations, as well as decrease of masticatory capacity and life quality...

Dental caries in individuals with Down syndrome: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown a lower experience of caries in people with Down syndrome compared to individuals without Down syndrome, but this issue has not been critically evaluated. AIM: To conduct a systematic review of the international literature on dental caries experience in people with Down syndrome. DESIGN: Three online databases (PubMed, LILACS, and Cochrane) were used to identify relevant studies on caries experience in people with Down syndrome published until May 2015. PICO (Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison group, and Outcome) criteria were used to screen studies by title and abstract. An assessment of the methodological study quality was performed according to the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: The search resulted in 226 studies. Thirteen publications were included in the systematic review. Ten studies reported results of lower caries experience in individuals with Down syndrome in at least one age group studied. Three studies reported no differences in caries experience among the groups. All studies, however, included in this systematic review had limitations that increased the likelihood of bias in the study results. CONCLUSION: There is no scientific evidence to support the hypothesis that people with Down syndrome have a lower experience of caries than non-syndromic individuals.

Remoção parcial de tecido cariado em dentes permanentes: seis anos deacompanhamento / Partial caries removal in permanent teeth: six-year follow-up

Objetivos: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a efetividade da remoção parcial de tecido cariado (RPTC) de lesões de cárie profundas e restauração em uma única sessão de forma comparativa ao tratamento expectante (TE) em seis anos de acompanhamento. Materiais e método: o estudo foi realizado em Porto Alegre e Brasília. A amostra incluiu pacientes com molares permanentes com lesões de cárie profundas (metade interna de dentina), sem lesão periapical ao exame radiográfico, resposta positiva ao teste de frio, negativa à percussão e ausência de dor espontânea. Esses foram randomicamente atribuídos ao grupo teste (RPTC), recebendo remoção incompleta de tecido cariado e restauração em uma sessão, ou controle (TE). Após, os dentes foram restaurados com resina composta ou amálgama. O desfecho avaliado foi vitalidade pulpar (sensibilidade ao teste térmico, sensibilidade à percussão e ausência de alteração periapical). Análises de sobrevivência foram realizadas para estimar as taxas de sucesso do tratamento e definir variáveis associadas, utilizando o modelo de regressão de Weibull. Foram executados 299 tratamentos, sendo 152 RPTC e 147 TE. Resultados: somente o acompanhamento dos tratamentos realizados em Porto Alegre foi realizado. Após 6 anos, 127 dentes foram avaliados. Foram observadas taxas de sucesso de 60% para RPTC e 32% para TE (p<0,05). Dentre as variáveis analisadas, somente a tipo de tratamento apresentou associação significativa à manutenção da vitalidade pulpar, sendo favorável à RPTC. Conclusão: RPTC pode ser alternativa viável no tratamento de lesões profundas de cárie, mostrando melhora significativa em relação à manutenção da vitalidade pulpar quando comparado ao TE.

Comparison of different methods for evaluating resin composite restorations in posterior teeth / Comparação de Diferentes Métodos para Avaliação de Restaurações de Resina Composta em Dentes Posteriores

Aim: To compare different methods for evaluating composite resin restorations in posterior teeth and to evaluate the reliability of each method by determining the intraobserver agreement. Material and methods: 136 class I resin composite restorations were evaluated by a trained examiner using modified Ryge criteria to assess selected restoration characteristics with three different methods: clinical, photographic and dental cast models.Results: The results showed that intraexaminer agreement was better on dental cast models evaluations for marginal integrity and anatomic form and was similar between photographic and clinical evaluations for marginal integrity and marginal discoloration. Surface texture showed the lowest degree of intraexaminer agreement with all the methods tested. Direct clinical method and the two indirect methods were significantly different for all the characteristics assessed (p<0.05). Photographs and dental cast models methods gave higher mean ranks than direct clinical method for marginal integrity and anatomic form. Photographs and dental cast models evaluations were similar for all the characteristics assessed, except for surface texture (p<0.05). Conclusion: All of the methods were different for all the characteristics assessed. The highest Intraexaminer agreement was obtained from dental cast models evaluation. All the methods showed that are not adequate to evaluate surface texture.

Objetivo: Comparar diferentes métodos para avaliação de restaurações de resina composta em dentes posteriores e avaliar a confiabilidade de cada método através da determinação deconcordância intraexaminador.Materiais e Métodos: 136 restaurações Classe I de resina composta foram avaliadas por um examinador treinado utilizando o critério de Ryge modificado através três métodos diferentes: clínico, fotográfico e modelos de gesso.Resultados: Os resultados mostraramque a concordância intraexaminador foi melhor em avaliação em modelos de gesso para integridade marginal e forma anatômica, e foi similar entre fotografiase avaliação clínica para integridade marginal e descoloração marginal. A textura superficial mostrou a menor concordância intraexaminador para todos os métodos testados. O método clínico direto e os dois métodos indiretos foram diferentes significativamentepara todas as características analisadas (p<0,05). Fotografias e modelos de gesso forneceram maio res médias ranqueadas do que o método clínico direto para integridade marginal e forma anatômica. As avaliações através de fotografias e modelos de gesso foram similares para todas as categorais avaliadas, exceto para textura superficial (p<0,05). Conclusões: Todos os métodos foram diferentes para as características avaliadas. A maior concordância intraexaminador foiobtida com a avaliação através de modelos de gesso. Nenhum dos métodos foi adequado para avaliação da textura superficial.

Amalgam versus resin composite for the restoration of posterior teeth: disparities between public clinical practice and dental education in Southern Brazil / AmálgamaVersusResina Composta para Restaurações deDentes Posteriores: Diferenças entre aPráticaClínica noServiço Público e o Ensino em Faculdadesde Odontologia no Sul do Brasil

Objetivo: Comparar o material restaurador indicado no tratamento de dentes posteriores de acordo com o ensino e realização dos tratamentos em duas Faculdades de Odontologia (UFRGS e ULBRA) e em 8 unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) do Sistema de Saúde Pública em Porto Alegre, Brasil. Materiais e Métodos: Os dados referentes ao ensino de procedimentos restauradores utilizando amálgama (AM) ou resina composta (RC) foram obtidos através da análise de prontuários de pacientes a questionários aplicados aos estudantes de Odontologia do último ano. Informações sobre os procedimentos restauradores nas UBS foram obtidas através de prontuários de pacientes e de questionários aplicados aos dentistas. O tipo de material restaurador utilizado nas Faculdade de Odontologia e nas UBS forma comparados através de teste Qui-quadrado. Resultados: Na UFRGS, 327 restaurações foram realizadas, sendo 78,28% RC e 21,72% AM; na ULBRA, 366 restaurações foram efetuadas, sendo 92,63% RC e 7,37% AM. Nas UBS, 1664 restaurações foram realizadas, sendo 35,93% RC e 64,07% AM. Uma maior proporção de restaurações de AM foram realizadas no Serviço Público de Saúde em comparação às Faculdades de Odontologia, nas quais restaurações com RC foram mais prevalentes (p=0.000). Conclusões: A mudança de AM para RC na escolha do material restaurador para dentes posteriores em Faculdades de Odontologia não foi seguida pelo Sistema Público de Saúde, onde o AM ainda é largamente utilizado.

Aim: To compare the restorative material used in the treatment of posterior teeth taught and performed in two Dental Schools (UFRGS and ULBRA) and in 8 basic health units (BHU) from the Public Health System in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Materials and methods: Data referring the teaching of restorative procedures using amalgam (AM) or resin (R) were obtained through the analysis of patient’s files and questionnaires applied to final year dental students. Information regarding restorative procedures at BHU was obtained through patient’s records and a questionnaire applied to the dentists. The type of restorative material used in both BHU and Dental Schools were compared by chi-square test. Results: At UFRGS, 327 restorations were performed, 78.28% R and 21.72% AM, and at ULBRA 366 restorations, 92.63% R and 7.37% AM. At BHU, 1664 restorations were performed (35.93% R and 64.07% AM). A major proportion of AM restorations was performed in the Public Health Service in comparison to both Dental Schools, in which resin restorations prevailed (p=0.000). Conclusion: The change from AM to R in the dental material choice for posterior teeth at Dental Schools was not followed by the Public Health System, where the AM is still widely used in posterior teeth.

Incomplete caries removal in deep lesions: a 10-year prospective study.

PURPOSE: To follow-up teeth with deep caries lesions submitted to incomplete caries removal over a 10-year period. METHODS: 27 subjects (32 permanent posterior teeth) with deep caries lesions composed the sample. In this single-arm long-term prospective study, the inclusion criteria were risk of pulp exposure during caries excavation, positive response to the cold test, absence of spontaneous pain or sensitivity during percussion, and radiographic absence of a periapical lesion. Subjects were submitted to the following procedures: complete caries removal from the surrounding cavity walls, incomplete caries removal from the pulpal wall, capping with a calcium hydroxide cement, and sealing with a modified zinc oxide-eugenol cement. After 6-7 months, the temporary sealing was removed for methodological purposes (no further excavation was performed), and teeth were capped with a calcium hydroxide cement and filled with resin composite. Clinical and radiographic assessments were conducted after 6-7 months, 1.5, 3, 5 and 10 years. Success was defined as clinical and radiographic signs and symptoms of pulp sensitivity while failure was defined as endodontic treatment need. RESULTS: Over 10 years, one tooth was excluded from the sample (pulp exposure during treatment), five were lost to recall, 10 had therapy failure (five fractures and four necroses leading to endodontic treatment need, and one extraction) and 16 had therapy success (pulp sensitivity). Overall survival rates were 97%, 90%, 82% and 63% at 1.5-, 3-, 5- and 10-year follow-ups, respectively. Teeth with two or more restored surfaces failed significantly more than teeth with one restored surface (P= 0.01).

Health promotion and dental caries.

The central idea of the Brazilian health system is to prevent the establishment of disease or detect it as early as possible. Prevention and treatment of dental caries are related to behavioral factors, including dietary and oral hygiene habits, which are related to many chronic diseases. Dental health promotion therefore should be fully integrated into broadly based health-promoting strategies and actions such as food and health policies, and general hygiene (including oral hygiene), among others. For decades, a linear relationship between sugar consumption and caries has been observed. Recent data has indicated that this relationship is not as strong as it used to be before the widespread use of fluoride. However, diet is still a key factor acting in the carious process. Oral hygiene is a major aspect when it comes to caries, since dental biofilm is its etiological factor. Oral hygiene procedures are effective in controlling dental caries, especially if plaque removal is performed adequately and associated with fluoride. An alternative to a more efficient biofilm control in occlusal areas is the use of dental sealants, which are only indicated for caries-active individuals. If a cavity is formed as a consequence of the metabolic activity of the biofilm, a restorative material or a sealant can be placed to block access of the biofilm to the oral environment in order to prevent caries progress. The prevention of dental caries based on common risk-factor strategies (diet and hygiene) should be supplemented by more disease-specific policies such as rational use of fluoride, and evidence-based dental health care.