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Published on: February 2, 2018
Monitoring of cariogenic demineralization at the enamel-composite interface using swept-source optical coherence
Kei Horie1, Yasushi Shimada1, Khairul Matin2
1Department of Cariology and Operative Dentistry, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8549, Japan.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to evaluate enamel demineralization at composite restoration margins caused by cariogenic biofilm using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).
Methods:
Sixty round-shaped cavities were prepared on the mid-buccal enamel surface of extracted human molars. The cavities were restored with Estelite Flow Quick flowable composite using either Clearfil SE Bond or Clearfil Tri-S Bond ND bonding agents. Streptococcus mutans suspension was applied to form a cariogenic biofilm on the surface. After 1, 2, or 3 weeks of incubation (n=10), the biofilm was removed to observe the carious demineralization at the cavosurface margins using SS-OCT. The gap along the enamel-composite interface was recorded on each adhesive system. Confirmatory direct observation was accomplished at the same location using confocal laser scanning microscope.
Results:
The demineralized enamel around the restorations was observed as a zone of intensified brightness in SS-OCT. The demineralized lesion on the cervical enamel was significantly deeper than that on the occlusal enamel (p<0.05). However, the extension of enamel demineralization at the enamel-composite interface was significantly deeper at the occlusal wall than the cervical wall (p<0.05). The extension in Tri-S Bond ND group was significantly deeper than in SE Bond group (p<0.05). A significant increase in gap formation was found after the extension of demineralization compared with the baseline.
Significance:
The carious demineralization around composite restorations were observed as a bright zone in SS-OCT during the process of bacterial demineralization. SS-OCT appears to be a promising modality for the detection of caries adjacent to an existing restoration.
