Dentin Optical Density in Molars Subjected to Partial Carious Dentin Removal

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Cariology

Background:

• Deep caries in primary molars requires effective treatment to preserve tooth structure.
• Partial carious dentin removal is a conservative approach to managing deep caries.
• Assessing dentin changes post-treatment is crucial for understanding healing and remineralization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in dentin optical density in primary molars with deep caries.
• To assess these changes three to six months after partial carious dentin removal.
• To compare optical density of treated dentin with healthy dentin.

Main Methods:

• A blind controlled clinical therapy study involving 42 primary molars.
• Digitalized bitewing radiographs were analyzed using Adobe Photoshop to determine gray scale values.
• A mixed-effects model analyzed gray tone levels as a function of time and tooth region.

Main Results:

• Affected dentin optical density significantly increased by 18 gray tone levels within three months (p < 0.0001).
• Healthy dentin showed a smaller increase of four gray tone levels (p = 0.0003).
• Both dentin types exhibited similar optical density increases between three and six months.

Conclusions:

• Partial carious dentin removal leads to significant increases in affected dentin optical density.
• These findings suggest potential remineralization of dentin after this treatment.
• The optical density changes indicate a positive response to conservative caries management in primary teeth.