Comparison of resin infiltration and microabrasion in the treatment of enamel caries

Abstract

The study compared the efficacy and stability of resin infiltration and microabrasion therapeutic effect in patients with enamel caries. Materials and methods. The study included 80 patients with caries in white or pigmented spot stage on the vestibular surface of the anterior teeth. 40 patients underwent microabrasion, 40 — resin infiltration. Patients were evaluated initially, after oral hygiene, after the procedure, and 1 year later, the intensity of dental caries according to the patient hygiene performance index (PHP), gingival sulcus bleeding index (SBI), community periodontal index (CPI) and hyperesthesia level. Results. In both groups the effect was evaluated in 2 subgroups: 1) with high caries resistance and non-increased tooth sensitivity; 2) with high and medium caries resistance and increased tooth sensitivity. After microabrasion, the greatest changes were observed for hyperesthesia in patients with increased tooth sensitivity (p<0.0001 compared with the baseline and the infiltration group). PHP and CPI measures improved significantly in both microabrasion and infiltration groups. After the procedure microabrasion effectiveness was 75%, caries infiltration — 50%. After a year, relapse was recorded in 5 (12.5%) patients in the microabrasion group and in 28 (70%) people in the infiltration group (p<0.0001). Conclusions. Enamel resistance and tooth sensitivity should be considered while choosing treatment method for enamel caries. For patients with high enamel resistance and lack of dentin hyperesthesia, microabrasion is appropriate followed by remineralizing therapy. For teeth with moderate enamel resistance and dentin hyperesthesia, the combined method is recommended: resin infiltration with remineralizing therapy, followed by enamel microabrasion.