Abstract:
Introduction. Dental caries is a biofilm-mediated, diet modulated, multifactorial, noncommunicable,
dynamic disease resulting in net mineral loss of dental hard
tissues and it is determined by biological, behavioral, psychosocial and
environmental factors. But despite the fact that today there are a lot of modern
materials to restore the hard tissue affected by caries, a problem remains the
appearance of reccurent or secondary caries that has developed adjacent to
margins of restorations. So, a vital part is the early detection of recurrent caries
that may allow provision of less invasive treatment options like resealing or
repairing instead of complete removal and replacement of restorations.
Purpose. To assess how to control, detect and treat secondary caries.
Material and methods. It was performed the examination of 16 patients, 8 men and 8 women, between
the ages of 18-55. Clinical and paraclinical examination have established the
diagnosis of recurrent caries for 32 teeth. The treatment was done by cleaning
the caries and repairing or replacement of existing restorations.
Results. From 32 teeth taken into the study, 22 were maxilla teeth (68,75 %) and 10 were
mandibular teeth (31,25 %); 25 were posterior teeth (78,13 %) and 7 - anterior
teeth (21,87%). From 45 surfaces affected by recurrent caries, occlusal surfaces
were involved in 10 cases (22, 3 %), mesial surfaces in 14 cases (31,2 %), distal
surfaces in 16 cases (35,5 %), vestibular surfaces in 4 cases (8,8 %) and oral
surfaces in 1 case (2,2 %). According to the treatment methods of recurrent
caries, 19 teeth (56,37 %) were treated by using repairing method and 13 teeth
(40,63%) by using replacement method.
Conclusions. 1.The etiology of recurrent caries is similar to primary
dental caries, but accelerated accumulation of biofilm
mass is caused my microleakage, poor marginal fit of
restoration and overhangs. Proximal surfaces of the
teeth are the most affected.
2.The diagnosis of caries is established during visual
inspection, tactile sensation with explorer usage and
radiographic interpretation. Detected secondary caries
can be managed by repair of the defective part of the
restoration or its complete replacement. Its depends on
the patient and teeth criteria.
3.The prophylaxis of recurrent caries is directed to
patient dental care and doctor’s work.
