Superficial dental caries diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Dental caries is a pathological process that affects hard dental tissues, occurring as a result of several local and general factors, as well as exogenous and endogenous factors.

Through its irreversible evolution, dental caries is the most common cause of the morphofunctional imbalance between the components of the stomatognathic system. The onset of the carious process is characterized by demineralization of hard dental tissues and loss of the enamel mineral components. Adamantine loss can result in dental caries that can lead to dentin exposure. In extreme and progressive cases it can lead to severe complications.Timely detection and correct determination of the diagnosis can impede exposure to causal factors. Their permanent control can maintain the stability of the dental-maxillary system.

Purpose: To increase the effectiveness of the treatment of superficial dental caries which includes cavities within the enamel located on the occlusal surfaces of molars. To determine the etiology of superficial dental caries and to assess the efficacy of the treatment of superficial dental caries which includes cavities within the enamel located on the occlusal surfaces of molars using glass ionomer cements, as well as to monitor the clinical course of superficial dental caries.

Material and methods: In accordance with the research purpose and investigational objectives, 12 patients aged between 18 and 25 years, who presented to the dental clinic of State University of Medicine and Pharmacy ,,Nicolae Testemitanu’’, were subjected to examination and treatment. The patients were selected and included in the study according to their requirements for consultation and treatment at the dentist. The patients diagnosed with superficial dental caries showed a defect affecting only the enamel, with irregular edges, chalky appearance and being an incipient dental caries, with minimal changes. Superficial dental caries was treated by the classical method of instrumental preparation of carious cavities, thorough antiseptic preparation, cavity isolation and drying, filling with glass ionomer Fuji IX-LC. This type of glass ionomer is a preparation biocompatible with hard dental tissues, being resistant to the masticatory pressures and being indicated in filling of superficial dental lesions located on the occlusal surfaces of molars.

Results: Of the total number of patients enrolled in the study, the integrity of teeth was reduced and complications, to which hard dental tissues could be exposed, were removed. To maintain the oral cavity in good condition not only the dentist`s intervention is necessary, but also the patient`s support by following thorough oral hygiene, as well as having some food patterns and regular prophylactic check-ups.

Conclusions: Clinical monitoring of the patients with superficial dental caries has determined that after the treatment no complications were detected. Use of glass ionomer Fuji IX-LC preparation has shown a high efficacy, it being a preparation biocompatible with hard dental tissues and having a good resistance to the masticatory pressure. Therefore it is recommended to be widely used in dental practice.