Monitoring the results of enamel demineralization treatment with the caries infiltration method (according to laser fluorescence value)

Abstract

Relevance. In the actual dentistry a special place takes opportune diagnosis of early stages of dental caries and effective non-surgical treatment. In the recent times new approaches, technologies and methods for diagnosing focal demineralization of tooth enamel have been developed, among which the laser fluorescence method is widely used. Purpose. To study the results of local enamel demineralization treatment with the caries infiltration method according to laser fluorescence value. Materials and methods. The method of caries infiltration was applied in 99 permanent teeth with local enamel demineralization in 15 children aged 10-16 years. Laser fluorescence method was used for enamel demineralization assessment before and immediately after the treatment, after 6, 12 and 18 months. Three study groups were formed according to laser fluorescence value before the treatment: the first one – values 14-20 (initial enamel demineralization), the second one – values 21-29 (deep enamel demineralization), the third one – values ≥ 30 (enamel and dentine demineralization). Proportions (%), mean-values and standard errors (M±m) were calculated, significance (p) of differences was assessed according to Students’ criteria (t) at p < 0.05. Results. During 18 months after caries infiltration caries cavities forming were not revealed. The mean-values of laser fluorescence were in the first group before the treatment 17.38 ± 0.27, after the treatment 5.00±0.82, after 18 months – 4.82 ± 0.79; in the second group 25.42 ± 0.38, 15.25 ± 0.78 and 13.96 ± 0.75, in the third group 33.08 ± 0.69, 22.54 ± 1.39 and 20.77 ± 1.44 respectively. The differences between the values before and after the treatment were significant statistically (p < 0,001) in all groups. After 18 months the laser fluorescence values corresponding to healthy enamel were revealed in 94.1% cases in the first group, in 50.0% cases in the second group, and in 7.7% cases in the third group.Conclusions. Local enamel demineralization treatment of permanent teeth in children with the caries infiltration method prevented caries cavity forming. Monitoring laser fluorescence values revealed that the results of the treatment with the caries infiltration method depended on the depth of dental hard tissue demineralization.