Dental caries recurrence following clinical treatment for severe early childhood caries
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Updated: May 24, 2026
Scanning Electron Microscopic Evaluation of Surface Defects of Remover Retreatment File After Single and Multiple Uses
Published on: October 11, 2024
Robert J Berkowitz1, Alvin Amante, Dorota T Kopycka-Kedzierawski
1Department of Dentistry, School of Medicine and Dentistry, the University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA. robert_berkowitz@urmc.rochester.edu
Purpose:
To determine the relapse rate within one year for a cohort of children treated for severe early childhood caries (S-ECC).
Methods:
In an earlier report, we assessed the suppressive effect of 10 percent povidone-iodine and the elimination of active caries on salivary mutans streptococci (MS) populations in 77 children with S-ECC; 49 children returned for a 6-month recall exam that occurred 5 to 12 months post dental surgery. Relapse declaration required at least one caries lesion needing a restoration. Contrasts of relapse (R) and non-relapse (NR) to the covariates of gender, race, ethnicity, age, surfaces available for relapse (SAR), time to appointment, and baseline salivary mutans streptococci (MS) counts were statistically evaluated.
Results:
19 children (39%) were declared R and 30 (61%) were NR. The 2 groups did not statistically differ on: gender, race, ethnicity, age, SAR, baseline salivary MS counts and time to recall appointment. Statistical analyses also showed the covariates had no significant effect on probability of relapse or time to relapse (P>0.05).
Conclusions:
None of the covariates were related to R. The R rate (39%) observed is consistent with earlier reports. Novel approaches are needed to improve relapse prevention.
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