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Effect of gap geometry on secondary caries wall lesion development
H M Nassar1, C González-Cabezas
1School of Dentistry, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. hnassar @ iupui.edu
Caries Research
|July 23, 2011
Summary
Small enamel gaps prevent secondary caries, even with larger dentinal gaps. However, larger enamel gaps (around 500 μm) combined with dentinal space can reduce deeper dentinal wall lesion size.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Cariology
- Restorative dentistry
Background:
- Secondary caries is a primary cause of dental restoration failure.
- Understanding the influence of interfacial gaps on secondary caries is crucial for improving restoration longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of varying gap sizes between dental restorations and tooth walls on secondary caries development.
- Specifically investigate the effect on enamel and dentinal wall lesions.
Main Methods:
- Customized gap models with resin composite restorations were created.
- Specimens were exposed to a microbial caries model for 8 days.
- Lesion sizes were quantified using confocal microscopy at different depths.
Main Results:
- Enamel outer lesion (EOL) and enamel wall lesion (EWL) sizes were unaffected by gap variations.
- Dentinal wall lesions (DWL-A and DWL-B) were larger with a 525-μm enamel gap compared to a 30-μm enamel gap.
- A larger dentinal gap (1,025 μm) resulted in smaller deeper dentinal wall lesions (DWL-B) when the enamel gap was 525 μm.
Conclusions:
- Small enamel gaps (30 μm) effectively inhibit secondary caries, irrespective of dentinal gap size.
- Larger enamel gaps (approx. 500 μm) combined with dentinal space may paradoxically reduce deeper dentinal lesion progression.
- Uniform interfacial gap size positively correlates with dentinal wall lesion size.
