Work

Experimental laser fluorescence characteristics of initial caries lesions after resin infiltrant application

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Initial caries lesions (ICLs) are most commonly treated using remineralization procedures with fluoride, alongside recommended improvements in oral hygiene. An alternative approach is the micro-invasive method of infiltration using low-viscosity light-curing resin (RI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of low-viscosity resin infiltration of natural, proximal initial carious lesions on changes in fluorescence under in vitro conditions. METHODS: The material consisted of n = 49 human permanent maxillary and mandibular premolars, extracted for orthodontic reasons, presenting ICLs of ICDAS code 1 and 2 on the approximal surface, with fluorescence values not exceeding 30. Each lesion was examined using a DIAGNOdent pen laser device (LFpen). Subsequently, the ICLs underwent low-viscosity resin infiltration (Icon Smooth Surface, DMG, Germany), and fluorescence measurements were carried out again. RESULTS: Fluorescence values (mean ± SD) after infiltration amounted to 7.8 ± 4.6 and were significantly lower than before (13.8 ± 5.2) the procedure (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test; p < 0.001). Additionally, there was statistically significant positive correlation between the fluorescence measurement values before and after RI, higher pre-infiltration results corresponded to higher post-infiltration results (Spearman correlation coefficient p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Under in vitro conditions, application of resin infiltrant resulted in decreased fluorescence of ICLs what can support no lesion progression in clinical conditions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Resin infiltration of initial caries lesions significantly reduces laser fluorescence values, indicating changes in lesion composition and optical properties. These findings support the use of infiltration as a minimally invasive treatment and suggest laser fluorescence may aid in monitoring post-treatment lesion behavior under clinical conditions.

Source: Journal of Dentistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2025.106022

Authors: Paweł Maksymiuk, Maja Ptasiewicz, Joanna Zubrzycka, Ilona Wójcik-Chęcińska, Renata Chałas

Institution: Medical University of Lublin

Language: English

Topic: Dental materials and restorations

Subfield: Orthodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,160