Secondary caries: prevalence, characteristics, and approach

Abstract

Objectives:The objectives of this cross-sectional survey were to determine the prevalence of secondary caries (SC) in general population, to identify patient-and material-related factors which may affect the prevalence, and to describe some clinical characteristics of SC lesions. Materials and methods:A total of 4036 restorations in 450 patients, who visited university dental clinic for a regular (half-) yearly check-up, were examined clinically (and radiographically) for the presence of SC. Clinical characteristics of the detected SC lesions (size, activity and location) and the planned treatment were recorded. In addition, patients' caries-risk status was assessed according to the modified 'Cariogram' model. Results:In total, 146 restorations were diagnosed with SC, which gives an overall prevalence of 3.6%.Restorative material, restoration class, patient's caries risk and smoking habits, were shown to be important factors, as SC prevalence was significantly higher with composites, class II restorations, high caries risk patients and smokers. Restorations' gingival margins were most frequently affected by SC. The largest number of restorations with SC (72%) was scheduled for the replacement.Conclusions: Prevalence of SC was higher with composite than with amalgam restorations, irrespective of the patient's caries-risk status. Gingival margins of class II, including MOD restorations, seem to be the place of less resistance to SC development. Management of SC seems to place a considerable burden on the health care work force and expenditure.Clinical relevance: Secondary caries (SC) is considered to be the main cause of dental restoration failure and one of the biggest clinical challenges related to dental composites. Nevertheless, its prevalence in daily practice is still not clear, which impedes an accurate estimation of its impact on health care costs.

Monomer conversion, dimensional stability, biaxial flexural strength, and fluoride release of resin-based restorative material containing alkaline fillers

“…This could increase the risk of bacterial microleakage at the tooth-composite interface leading to secondary caries 4) which is the major cause of composite restoration failure. A recently published study demonstrated that secondary caries found in 3.6% of all restorations and one fifth of the patients experienced at least one secondary caries lesion 5) . Additionally, the prevalence of secondary caries in composite restorations was almost twice of that in dental amalgam restorations.…”

A New Customized Bioactive Glass Filler to Functionalize Resin Composites: Acid-Neutralizing Capability, Degree of Conversion, and Apatite Precipitation

“…The fact that secondary caries is one of the primary reasons for the failure of composite restorations [1] has motivated intensive research of caries-inhibiting resin composites functionalized with bioactive glasses (BGs) [2][3][4][5][6][7]. In aqueous solutions, these reactive glasses release various ions, increase the pH, and precipitate calcium phosphate on their surfaces [8].…”

Bioactivity and Physico-Chemical Properties of Dental Composites Functionalized with Nano- vs. Micro-Sized Bioactive Glass

“…Although the remarkable development of dental resin composites during the last two decades had led to their mechanical properties and esthetics plateauing at a high level [1,2], the issue of secondary caries has still not been appropriately addressed [3]. Therefore, the true potential for further improvements of this material class lies in introducing the capability of preventing secondary caries formation [4].…”