Sealing of proximal carious lesions in primary molars with resin infiltrating: controlled clinical study of split-mouth

The prevalence of proximal caries lesions in primary molars is high in many countries. This split-mouth placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the progression of early proximal caries lesions on primary molars after resin infiltration. Sixteen children aged 3 to 8 years old took part of this study. Participants had to have at least two proximal lesions radiographically extending to enamel or outer dentine. Visual examination was performed after tooth separation. Digital bitewing radiographs were taken, visual plaque (VPI) and gingival bleeding indexes (GBI) were recorded and visual examination of caries was performed (baseline assessments). Proximal lesions were randomly allocated to two groups: resin infiltration (test) and no infiltration (control). All patients received 4-week topical fluoride application, dietary counseling, toothbrushing and flossing instructions. After a 3 months follow-up period, baseline assessments of all patients were repeated and digital radiographs were taken. Original digital images and enhanced images, using two different filters, were compared aiming the observation of lesion progression in both test and control groups. Evaluation of digital radiographs of the 16 children (64 digital images for each filter) showed no statistical significant differences (McNemar test, p=1,00) when test and control groups were compared. However, a tendency of lesion progression could be observed in both groups. Significant differences (Wilcoxon t-test, p=0.01) were observed for VPI between baseline (30.5 ±22.0) and follow-up (14.0 ±7.5) and for GBI at baseline (13.5 ±18.5) and follow-up (2.8 ± 3.4). No significant relation between lesion progression and VPI, GBI and caries experience was observed (Mann Whitney Test, p>0.05). This study showed no significant differences in the progression of resin infiltrated proximal caries lesions compared to the placebo treatment in this follow-up period.