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Irregularities below the enamel-dentin junction may predispose for fissure caries
J Kühnisch1, M Galler, M Seitz
1Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Poliklinik für Zahnerhaltung und Parodontologie, Goethestrasse 70, 80336 München, Germany. jkuehn@dent.med.uni-muenchen.de
Journal of Dental Research
|August 21, 2012
Summary
Micro-computed tomography (µCT) revealed non-carious developmental irregularities below the enamel-dentin junction in molars. These findings are crucial for accurate interpretation of µCT scans and understanding early caries risk.
Area of Science:
- Dental Research
- Oral Biology
- Radiology
Background:
- Occlusal fissures are complex anatomical structures prone to demineralization.
- Accurate detection of subsurface irregularities is critical for diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Micro-computed tomography (µCT) offers high-resolution imaging of dental hard tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology of the fissure fundus on occlusal surfaces.
- To detect and characterize potential irregularities beneath the enamel-dentin junction (EDJ).
- To differentiate non-carious defects from early caries lesions using µCT.
Main Methods:
- Micro-computed tomography (µCT) scanning of 203 third molars.
- Analysis of occlusal surfaces with clinically sound fissures or non-cavitated lesions.
- Sectioning of teeth and stereomicroscopic investigation of slices for histological correlation.
Main Results:
- Demarcated radiolucencies below the EDJ were identified in 3.4% of molars via µCT.
- These radiolucencies lacked demineralization gradients, indicating a non-carious origin.
- Histological examination confirmed dentin defects corresponding to µCT findings, with oral cavity pathways.
Conclusions:
- Demarcated radiolucencies below the EDJ detected by µCT may represent developmental irregularities, not necessarily caries.
- Accurate interpretation of µCT data requires consideration of these non-carious defects.
- These developmental irregularities may increase susceptibility to early-onset caries in occlusal pits and fissures.
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