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Radiopacities in dentine under amalgam restorations
M P Rudolphy1, J P van Amerongen, J M ten Cate
1Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), The Netherlands.
Caries Research
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Radiopaque zones under amalgam fillings indicate irreversibly demineralized dentine. A Caries Detector successfully stained these areas, confirming their nature and aiding in complete excavation of affected dental tissue.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Dental Materials
- Cariology
Background:
- Radiopacities under amalgam restorations are common.
- These radiopacities are often attributed to tin or zinc deposits in demineralized dental tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Caries Detector in identifying radiopaque areas under amalgam fillings.
- To determine if these radiopacities represent irreversibly demineralized dentine.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-eight extracted teeth with radiopacities under amalgam restorations were selected.
- Amalgam restorations were removed, and Caries Detector was applied to stain demineralized dentine.
- Excavation proceeded until no staining occurred, followed by radiography at various stages.
Main Results:
- All selected radiopaque areas stained positively with the Caries Detector.
- Post-excavation radiographs showed complete disappearance of radiopacities in 6 teeth, partial remnants in 5, and thin radiopaque lines in 17.
- Line scan analysis corroborated visual observations, indicating minimal residual radiopacity.
Conclusions:
- The radiopaque zone beneath amalgam fillings largely consists of irreversibly demineralized dentine.
- Caries Detector effectively identifies this demineralized dentine, aiding in complete caries excavation.