Occlusal Caries: Biological Approach for Its Diagnosis and Management
Joana Christina Carvalho, Irene Dige, Vita Mačhiulskienė, Vibeke Qvist, Azam Bakhshandeh, Clarissa Cavalcanti Fatturi Parolo, Marisa Maltz
Caries Research · 2016 · 2,157 citationsOpen access
Abstract
The management of occlusal caries still remains a major challenge for researchers as well as for general practitioners. The present paper reviews and discusses the most up-to-date knowledge and evidence of the biological principles guiding diagnosis, risk assessment, and management of the caries process on occlusal surfaces. In addition, it considers the whole spectrum of the caries process on occlusal surfaces, ranging from the molecular ecology of occlusal biofilms to the management of deep occlusal caries lesions. Studies using molecular methods with focus on biofilms in relation to occlusal caries should explore the relationship between the function and the structural composition of these biofilms to understand the role of occlusal biofilms in caries development. State-of-the-art measures to evaluate risk for occlusal caries lesion activity, caries incidence, and progression should include the assessment of the occlusal biofilm and the stage of tooth eruption. Careful clinical examination of non-cavitated lesions, including assessment of the lesion activity status, remains the major tool to determine the immediate treatment need and to follow on the non-operative treatment outcome. Even medium occlusal caries lesions in the permanent dentition may be treated by non-invasive fissure sealing. By extending the criteria for non-invasive treatments, traditional restoration of occlusal surfaces can be postponed or even avoided, and the dental health in children and adolescents can be improved. Selective removal (incomplete) to soft dentin in deep carious lesions has greater success rates than stepwise excavation. Selective (complete) removal to firm dentin has a lower success rate due to increased pulp exposure.
Cite this paper
Carvalho, J. C., Dige, I., Mačhiulskienė, V., Qvist, V., Bakhshandeh, A., Parolo, C. C. F., & Maltz, M. (2016). Occlusal caries: Biological approach for its diagnosis and management. Caries Research, 50(6), 527–542. https://doi.org/10.1159/000448662
Read it with every claim anchored
Add this paper to a project, ask questions of it, and get answers that point to the exact passage.
Start freeRelated papers
- Bacterial Biofilms: A Common Cause of Persistent Infections1999
- Biofilms: Survival Mechanisms of Clinically Relevant Microorganisms2002
- Development of a Classification System for Periodontal Diseases and Conditions1999
- Microbial complexes in subgingival plaque1998
- Biofilms: Microbial Life on Surfaces2002
Metadata from OpenAlex (CC0). Citations are generated from the published record.