Related Experiment Videos
A microbiological study of recurrent dentinal caries
R J Fitzgerald1, B O Adams, M E Davis
1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Fla 33125.
Caries Research
|January 1, 1994
Summary
This study found that common bacteria like streptococci and lactobacilli are present in recurrent dentinal caries, but no single species reliably predicts its presence or severity. Radiographs were also found to be only 50% sensitive for detecting secondary caries.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dental Research
- Caries Investigation
Background:
- Recurrent (secondary) dentinal caries is a common issue under existing restorations.
- Accurate detection and understanding of microbial factors are crucial for managing secondary caries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbiological profile of recurrent dentinal caries.
- To assess the diagnostic accuracy of radiographs for secondary caries detection.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 54 human teeth with amalgam restorations.
- Teeth were disinfected, split, and examined for dentinal caries.
- Microbiological analysis of dentine samples was performed.
- Pre-extraction bite-wing radiographs were compared with in situ findings.
Main Results:
- 40% of restored sites were caries-free; the rest showed varying degrees of caries.
- Radiographic sensitivity for secondary caries detection was approximately 50%, with 73% specificity for absence of caries.
- Facultatively anaerobic streptococci were most prevalent, but not significantly associated with recurrent caries.
- Mutans streptococci and lactobacilli were found in affected sites, with increasing lactobacilli numbers correlating with caries severity.
- Actinomyces were present in affected sites but less common in active caries.
Conclusions:
- No single bacterial species was definitively linked to recurrent dentinal caries.
- Microbial diversity exists in secondary caries lesions.
- Radiographic detection of secondary caries has limitations.