Bacteria in experimentally infected cavity preparations

ABSTRACT— The presence of bacteria on cavity walls was assessed histologically following experimental infection by inserting soft carious human dentin or guttapercha temporary fillings in 40 monkey teeth. Eighty-five infected cavities which had been restored using zinc oxide-eugenol cement (34 teeth), Ca(OH)₂ (39 teeth) or amalgam (12 teeth) were also evaluated. Bacteria could regularly be demonstrated in cavities where soft carious human dentin had remained in the cavities for 82 d, but not, or only very rarely, in any of the other series. It was concluded that vital dentin has considerable resistance against infection and that cavity sterilization appears to be of questionable value.     

Effects of dentin depth and cavity configuration on bond strength.

During polymerization of resin composites, shrinkage stresses compete with resin-dentin bonds in a manner that can cause failure of the bond, depending upon the configuration of the cavity, its depth, and the restorative technique. The hypothesis tested in this study was that the effect of cavity configuration (C) and remaining dentin thickness (RDT) influence resin bond strength to the dentin of Class I cavity floors. The occlusal enamel was ground to expose a flat superficial dentin surface as a control (superficial dentin, C-factor = 1) in human extracted third molars. Cavities 3 mm long x 4 mm wide were prepared to a depth 2 mm below the ground dentin surfaces (deep dentin within cavity floor, C-factor = 3). To assess the relationship between C-factor and RDT, we removed the walls of cavities, making a deep flat surface for bonding (deep dentin, C-factor = 1). The teeth were restored with either Clearfil Liner Bond II (LB II), One-Step (OS), or Super-Bond D Liner (DL), followed by Clearfil Photo Posterior resin composite. After 24 hrs' storage in water, the teeth were sectioned vertically into 3 or 4 slabs (0.7 mm thick) and trimmed for the micro-tensile bond test so that we could determine the strength of the resin bonds to the pulpal floor. All groups gave high bond strengths to superficial dentin, but OS and DL gave significantly lower bond strengths to flat deep dentin when the C-factor was 1. When the C-factor was increased to 3 by the creation of a three-dimensional cavity preparation, the bond strengths of all materials fell (range, 21 to 35%), but the difference was significant (p < 0.05) only with DL. SEM observations of failure patterns showed that specimens with high bond strengths tended to exhibit cohesive failures within the hybrid layer, while specimens exhibiting low bond strengths showed failures at the top of the hybrid layer. Some adhesives do not bond well to deep dentin, making them more susceptible to polymerization shrinkage stress that develops in cavities with high C-factors.     

Bacteria in experimentally infected cavity preparations.

The presence of bacteria on cavity walls was assessed histologically following experimental infection by inserting soft carious human dentin or guttapercha temporary filings in 40 monkey teeth. Eighty-five infected cavities which had been restored using zinc oxide-eugenol cement (34 teeth), Ca(OH)2 (39 teeth) or amalgam (12 teeth) were also evaluated. Bacteria could regularly be demonstrated in cavities where soft carious human dentin had remained in the cavities for 82 d, but not, or only very rarely, in any of the other series. It was concluded that vital dentin has considerable resistance against infection and that cavity sterilization appears to be of questionable value.     

New cavity forms in first deciduous molars which maximize dentin thickness between cavity and pulp chamber

Using a total of 60 human extracted first deciduous molars (30 upper molars and 30 lower molars), we contrived a variety of ideal cavities having dentin thicknesses below the cavity (subcavitary dentin) that measure approximately 1 mm in thickness from the pulp chamber at any point of measurement and also having a retentional groove prepared in such a way that detachment of a filling material is prevented. The transparent specimens prepared from the cavity-containing teeth were cut into serial sections of 93 microns. These sections were reconstructed using a personal computer. The thickness of dentin below the cavity was measured in randomly selected sections. Results obtained were as follows: 1. An ideal thickness of the subcavitary dentin was preserved for upper first deciduous molar by preparing a retentional groove lingually or by providing a dovetail-like shape to mesio-distolingual sides in the cavity; for lower first deciduous molar, any form of cavitation worked. 2. In the upper first deciduous molars, the margins of the cavity were displaced medially to the summits of the respective cusps 1.9 mm at the buccal side and 1.2 mm at the lingual side. In the lower first deciduous molars, the buccal margin medially measured 0.9 mm and the lingual margin measured 0.6 mm at the mesial side. At the distal side, the buccal and lingual margins measured 1.2 mm and 1.0 mm, respectively. 3. The ratio of cavity width to the distance between the summits of the buccal and lingual cusps was 1/3 in upper deciduous first molars and 2/5 in the lower first deciduous molars. 4. In the upper first deciduous molars, the depths of the buccal and lingual walls of the cavity at the center of the central groove were both 1.1 mm. In the lower first deciduous molars, the cavity formed with its center at the middle of the transverse ridge had a depth of 1.5 mm at the buccal wall and a depth of 1.7 mm at the lingual wall. The cavity formed with its center at the central fossa had a depth of 1.2 mm at the buccal wall and 1.1 mm at the lingual wall. 5. The width of the gingival wall in the proximal box measured 0.6-0.7 mm in upper and lower first deciduous molars.     

Pulp response to bases and cavity depths.

In cavities of ferret canines, preparation depth and bases were compared as to their effect on odontoblasts and to rate of dentin formation. These were measured by injecting 3H-proline at 0, 20 and 40 days post-preparation. Odontoblast activity was determined by label density in each band; inter-band distances indicated the amount of dentin formed. Correlations were by Pearson's coefficient. The following were determined: 1) cavity depth (remaining dentin thickness) was the major factor in odontoblast response and in dentin formation; deeper cavities suppressed odontoblasts with less subsequent dentin formation at all time periods; 2) basing materials had little effect on odontoblast activity or on the rate of dentin formation. An exception was in deep cavities, with Ca(OH)2 showing more label; this activity was temporary with no increased dentin formation; 3) there was no evidence of a "rebound" response.     

Dentinal composition and Knoop hardness measurements of cavity floor following carious dentin removal with Carisolv

This study evaluated the dentinal composition and Knoop hardness measurements of the cavity floor following the removal of carious dentin by the Carisolv chemo-mechanical caries removal system, in vitro. The carious dentin of 25 extracted human teeth was removed by using Carisolv for one minute with instruments and excavation that was performed until the gel was clear. Caries removal with a sharp explorer was verified according to the color and hardness of the lesion, then, by means of DIAGNOdent. Atomic analysis of treated cavities was performed by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and the Knoop hardness number (KHN) of the cavity floor was determined. Surface characteristics were observed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Adjacent sound dentin was used as a control reference. No significant differences were found between the quantities of calcium content (Ca weight %), phosphorus content (P weight %) and the Ca/P weight ratio of Carisolv cavities with that of the adjacent, sound dentin (p<0.01). KHN of the Carisolv cavity floor was almost similar to that of the adjacent sound dentin. SEM analysis revealed an extremely rough or irregular surface, and there remained a minimal debris-like smear layer; most of the dentinal tubules were opened. The results indicated that Carisolv does not produce any adverse side effects on dentinal compositions of the treated cavities. The possibility of remaining residual softened dentin was also minimal in this study.     

Marginal adaptation of commercial compomers in dentin cavity

The dentin cavity adaptation and setting characteristics of four commercial compomers were evaluated by measuring the wall-to-wall contraction gap width in the cylindrical dentin cavity and measuring the compressive strength for a maximum of 14 days after setting. The dentin cavity wall was pretreated by the dentin adhesives according to each manufacturer's instructions or the experimental contraction gap-free dentin bonding system. Complete marginal integrity was obtained in only one compomer and two resin composites which were combined with the experimental dentin bonding system. The compressive strength of two resin composites and two compomers ten minutes after setting was comparable to that after 14 days which indicated that the compomers exhibited setting characteristics as rapidly as the resin composite. It was concluded that a high efficacy dentin bonding system is required for commercial compomers to prevent gap formation during irradiation caused by the rapid setting shrinkage.     

Effect of water sorption and thermal stress on cavity adaptation of dental composites

The effect of water sorption of composite and thermal stress on the marginal adaptation to the dentin cavity wall was evaluated by measurement of the gap width between composite fillings and the dentin cavity wall. The wall of a cylindrical dentin cavity prepared in the proximal surface of extracted human molars was cleaned with neutralized 0.5 M EDTA and pre-treated with one of three experimental dentin primers [35% hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 35% HEMA containing 5% glutaraldehyde, and 35% glyceryl methacrylate]. A light-activated composite (Silux, 3M Co., St. Paul, MN) was used to fill the cavity after application of a bonding agent (Clearfil New Bond, Kuraray Co., Osaka, Japan). The marginal gap width was measured after the specimens were immersed in water and thermal-cycled. The initial contraction gap of the tested bonding systems was closed completely by the water sorption of the composite for six hours, and such a marginal adaptation was not interrupted by 60 thermal cycles between 10 and 45 degrees C. Among the dentin primers tested, only the 35% aqueous solution of glyceryl methacrylate mediated gap-free fillings in all specimens.     

Influence of water flow rate on shear bond strength of resin composite to Er:YAG cavity preparation

PURPOSE: To evaluate in vitro the influence of water flow rate on shear bond strength of a resin composite to enamel and dentin after Er:YAG cavity preparation. METHODS: Ten bovine incisors were selected and roots removed. Crowns were sectioned in four pieces, resulting in 40 samples that were individually embedded in polyester resin (n = 10), and ground to plane the enamel and expose the dentin. The bonding site was delimited and samples were randomly assigned according to cavity preparation: (1) Er:YAG/1.0 mL/minute; (2) Er:YAG/1.5 mL/minute; (3) Er:YAG/2.0 mL/minute and (4) High speed handpiece/bur (control group). Samples were fixed to a metallic device, where composite resin cylinders were prepared. Subsequently, they were stored for 24 hours and subjected to a shear bond strength test (500N at 0.5 mm/minute). RESULTS: Means (MPa) were: enamel: 1: 12.8; 2: 16.8; 3: 17.5; 4: 36.0 and Dentin: 1: 13.6; 2: 18.7; 3: 12.1; 4: 21.3. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test. Adhesion to enamel was more efficient than for dentin. The cavities prepared with conventional bur (control) presented higher statistically significant bond strength values (P < 0.05) than for Er:YAG laser for both enamel and dentin. No significant differences were observed between water flow rates employed during enamel ablation. For dentin, the shear bond strength of 2.0 mL/minute water flow rate was lower than for 1.5 mL/minute and 1.0 mL/minute rates. The Er:YAG laser adversely affected shear bond strength of resin composite to both enamel and dentin, regardless of the water flow rate used.     

Comparison of antibacterial activity of two dentin bonding systems using agar well technique and tooth cavity model

Objective. This study compared the antibacterial activities of two dentin bonding systems (ABF, Kuraray and Reactmer Bond, Shofu) by a conventional agar well technique and a newly designed in vitro test using tooth model.Methods. In the agar well technique, the test materials were filled in the wells of Muller Hinton agar plates inoculated with Streptococcus mutans NCTC10449, and the diameters of inhibition zones produced around the materials were measured after 24h of incubation. For the tooth model test, three cavities (diameter 1mm, depth 2mm) were prepared in the flat occlusal dentin of human extracted molar. After sterilization, the teeth were left in broth culture of 1.56x10(8)CFU/ml of S. mutans at 37 degrees C for 72h for allowing bacteria to invade the cavity. The dentin bonding systems were applied separately to each of the two infected cavities, and the third cavity was left unapplied for control. After sealing the occlusal surfaces, the teeth were kept in physiologic saline solution at 37 degrees C for 72h. The standardized amounts of dentin chips (120+/-5mg) were obtained from the cavity walls and the number of bacteria recovered was determined. The results were analyzed by One Way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney's U tests.Results. The primer of ABF and Reactmer Bond produced inhibition zones with similar sizes (p>0.05), but the bonding resin of ABF did not produce any inhibition. When tested by the model cavity method, the application of ABF resulted in significantly less bacterial recovery than Reactmer Bond (p<0.05), demonstrating substantial antibacterial effects.Conclusions. The tooth model method used in this study was effective for evaluating the substantial antibacterial effects of dentin bonding agents, and the experimental dentin bonding system ABF was demonstrated to be able to inactivate the bacteria in the cavity effectively in comparison with little antibacterial activity shown by Reactmer Bond.     

Shear bond strength to dentin by simulation of three-dimensional Class V cavity configuration.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of composite polymerization contraction on early shear bond strength of conventional and new dentin adhesives to dentin. The dentin adhesives selected for this study, i.e., Bondlite, Gluma, Prisma Universalbond, Scotchbond LC, Scotchbond 2, and XR Bonding, were tested in combination with Silux and in combination with their respective composites. The composite was applied to the treated dentin surface in cylindrical brass moulds of 4 mm diameter and 3 mm length. The configuration of cylindrical butt-joint Class V cavities was simulated by the coating of the insides of the brass moulds with silane in order that a chemical bond to the composite could be established. The results showed that shear bond strength to dentin was higher for XR Bonding and Scotchbond 2 compared with conventional phosphate ester-based dentin adhesives and Gluma. When XR Bonding or Scotchbond 2 was used, the obstruction of polymerization contraction had no effect on the bond strength to dentin. In contrast, the dentin adhesion of Scotchbond LC/Silux, Prisma Universalbond/Prisma Microfine, Bondlite/Herculite, and Gluma/Lumifor was adversely affected by the reduction of the unbonded composite surfaces. However, this effect was not observed when Prisma Universalbond, Bondlite, and Gluma were tested in combination with Silux. It can therefore be concluded that the effect of polymerization contraction on the bond strength to dentin depends not only on the dentin adhesive but also on the type of composite used.     

洞形与抗剪切能力的关系

目的：研究盒型洞两侧的余留牙体组织与底面不同移行方式时抗剪切能力的关系。方法：将新鲜离体牙的一部分制备成符合要求的两组试件。第一组试件的两侧壁轴向加载，第二组试件两侧壁侧向加载，分别记录两侧不同形状侧壁的抗剪切力值。结果：轴向加载，不同形状的侧壁抗剪切力无显著性差异（P〉0.5）；侧向加载，不同形状的侧壁抗剪切力有高度显著性差异（P〈0．00001）。结论：两侧壁受到轴向负载时，其抗剪切能力与洞形无关，受侧向负载时，其抗剪切能力与洞形有密切关系。     

Quaternary ammonium silane-based antibacterial and anti-proteolytic cavity cleanser

Objective

Secondary caries and degradation of hybrid layers are two major challenges in achieving durable resin–dentin bonds. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of a 2% quaternary ammonium silane (QAS) cavity cleanser on bacteria impregnated into dentin blocks and the gelatinolytic activity of the hybrid layers.

Effect of elastic cavity wall and occlusal loading on microleakage and dentin bond strength

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of an unfilled-adhesive resin (Adper Single Bond) and a filled-adhesive resin (Adper Single Bond 2) with and without a low viscosity resin (Filtek Flow) as an elastic cavity wall on marginal leakage and dentin microtensile bond strength in Class V composite restorations under unloaded and loaded conditions. METHODS: V-shaped cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of 56 premolars lined with unfilled (Groups 1 and 3) or filled (Groups 2 and 4) adhesives with (Groups 3 and 4) and without (Groups 1 and 2) a low viscosity resin and restored with a resin composite. The restored teeth in each group were divided into two sub-groups for unloaded and loaded conditions with 50N loading force for 250,000 cycles parallel to the long-axis of the tooth. Five specimens from each group were cut bucco-lingually 0.7 mm thick and subjected to a dye leakage test for four hours using 2% methylene blue dye. The tested specimens were then trimmed into dumbbell shapes at the gingival margin and subjected to microtensile testing. The remaining two specimens were cut, embedded and observed for resin/dentin interfaces under a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: For the microleakage test, there were no significant differences in microleakage among the groups on both the enamel and dentin margin. No statistically significant differences were found between microleakage of the loaded and unloaded groups on enamel margins for all materials. There were statistically significant differences between microleakage of the loaded and unloaded groups on the dentin margin for Groups 3 and 4. For the microtensile test, the significant difference was found between Groups 1 and 4 for the unloaded groups. For the loaded groups, there were no significant differences between Groups 1 and 2 and Groups 3 and 4. There were no statistically significant differences in microtensile bond strength between the loaded and unloaded groups except for Group 2. CONCLUSION: The application of filled adhesive or low viscosity resin had no influence on marginal leakage at both the enamel and dentin margin but it had an influence on the microtensile bond strength to dentin of Class V restorations. Occlusal loading significantly increased the degree of marginal leakage at the dentin margin when low viscosity was applied in combination with either unfilled or filled-adhesives, but it decreased dentin bond strength in the group treated with only filled adhesive.     

SEM evaluation of the hybrid layer after cavity preparation with Er:YAG laser

This study compared the thickness of the hybrid layer formed using Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus, Single Bond 2, Prime & Bond 2.1 and Xeno III on a dentin surface prepared with a diamond bur in a high speed handpiece or prepared with an Er:YAG laser used with two parameters of pulse energy (200 and 400 mJ) and two parameters of frequency (4 and 6 Hz). Flat dentin surfaces obtained from 20 human third molars were treated with the two methods and were then prepared with the dentin adhesive systems according to the manufacturers' instructions. After a layer of composite was applied, the specimens were sectioned, flattened, polished and prepared for Scanning Electronic Microscopy observation. Five different measurements of the hybrid layer thickness were obtained along the bonded surface in each specimen. The results were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance and Student-Newman-Keuls tests (p < or = 0.05). When analyzing the hybrid layer thickness and comparing the cavity preparation method, four groups were formed: Group I (diamond bur) > Group II (Laser 200 mJ/4 Hz) = Group III (Laser 200 mJ/6 Hz) > Group IV (Laser 400 mJ/4 Hz) > Group V (Laser 400 mJ/6 Hz). When comparing the dentin adhesive systems, there were no statistically significant differences. These results showed that the four tested dentin adhesive systems produced a 2.90 +/- 1.71 microm hybrid layer in dentin prepared with a diamond bur. This hybrid layer was regular and routinely found. In the laser groups, the dentin adhesive systems produced hybrid layers ranging from 0.41 +/- 1.00 microm to 2.06 +/- 2.49 microm, which were very irregular and not routinely found. It was also concluded that the Er:YAG laser, with the parameters used in this experiment, has a negative influence on the formation of a hybrid layer and cavity preparation methods influence formation of the hybrid layer.     

Factors influencing pulpal response to cavity restorations

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this retrospective work were: (1) to determine the relative importance of bacteria on cavity walls, remaining dentin thickness and post-operative time on pulpal inflammation after cavity restoration; (2) to compare the respective influences of bacterial microleakage and the restorative material itself on pulp reaction severity. METHODS: 317 class V cavities, in human bicuspids scheduled for extraction for orthodontic reasons were used for this study. Nine different materials were included. The severity of the pulpal reaction was ranked on hematoxylin/eosin stained sections according to FDI standards. The further parameters recorded were: (1) the presence or absence of bacteria on the cavity walls was noted on Brown and Brenn stained sections; (2) the remaining dentin thickness was measured and the teeth classified into three groups (< 500, 500-1000, > 1000 microns); and (3) the post-operative delay before extraction was recorded and classified as short time (< 5 weeks) or long time (> 5 weeks). Three two-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) followed by Kruskall and Wallis tests evaluated the influence of the three parameters on pulpal reaction severity. The third ANOVA also compared pulpal reactions under the different materials when the teeth were pooled, on bacteria free teeth and on bacteria contaminated teeth. RESULTS: The first ANOVA ranked by decreasing order of importance: the presence of bacteria (p < 0.0001), the remaining dentin thickness (p = 0.02) and the post-operative delay (p = 0.04). The second ANOVA showed no difference among the restorative materials when bacteria were present on the cavity walls. SIGNIFICANCE: The presence of bacteria on the cavity walls is the main factor influencing pulpal reaction under restorative materials, but does not account for 100% of the cases.     

In vitro effect of cavity disinfectants on the bond strength of dentin bonding systems.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of two cavity disinfectants, a 2% chlorhexidine and a 1% benzalkonium chloride solution, on the shear and tensile bond strengths of dentin bonding systems to dentin. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Superficial dentin was exposed from 84 freshly extracted human third molars. The teeth were randomly assigned to two main groups according to the bonding agent used, either One Step or Optibond Solo. Each dentin bonding system had six test groups (three for shear, three for tensile testing), and each test group had a control and two cavity disinfectant groups. In the control groups, dentin bonding systems were applied after etching the dentin, whereas in the cavity disinfectant groups, dentin was conditioned and treated for 20 seconds with the disinfectants before applying the dentin bonding systems. A hybrid resin composite then was applied to all treated samples. After storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours, shear and tensile tests were performed. Data were analyzed using Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The mean shear and tensile bond strengths of One Step and Optibond Solo were not significantly different from each other, and the cavity disinfectants also had no significant effects on shear and tensile bond strength values versus the controls. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the use of 2% chlorhexidine and 1% benzalkonium chloride solutions as cavity disinfectants after etching the dentin did not affect the shear and tensile bond strengths of One Step and Optibond Solo.     

Er：YAG激光与传统机械去腐制备洞形的体外可行性比较

目的　为Er：YAG激光去除龋损和粘接修复的可行性提供更多的证据。方法　选取南京医科大学附属口腔医院口腔颌面外科门诊拔除的36颗龋坏深及牙本质的磨牙。每个离体牙的龋损都被切成大小相等的两份,分别纳入对照组(机械预备组)和实验组(Er：YAG激光组)。通过测量微拉伸粘接强度(mTBS)、微渗漏深度、观察组织学形貌、微观形态和测量操作时间比较了Er：YAG激光与传统机械法在这些方面的特性。结果　实验组的微拉伸粘接强度高于对照组(n=13,P<0.05),而平均微渗漏深度低于对照组,但差异无统计学意义(n=13,P>0.05)。实验组残留感染牙本质小管少于对照组(n=6,P<0.01)。扫描电镜观察显示,实验组牙本质小管开放、清晰、裸露,而经机械预备的牙本质表面有玷污层(n=4)。实验组的去龋时间明显长于对照组(n=36,P<0.05)。结论　虽然去龋时间较长,但Er：YAG激光用于窝洞预备较传统机械法有更高的微拉伸粘接强度和更少的感染牙本质小管残留。因此,Er：YAG激光是一种合适的临床去龋方法。     

Influence of cavity configuration on the adhesion of two resin-based composites to pulpal floor dentin

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of cavity configuration on microtensile bond strengths of two resin composites for core build-up to pulpal floor dentin. METHODS: Access cavity preparation and root canal filling with gutta percha were performed on extracted human molars. Following this, the gutta percha in the pulp chamber was completely removed to expose pulpal floor dentin. The cavity walls remained as a control group (Cavity). For another group, the cavity walls were removed to create a flat surface for bonding (Flat). For the Cavity group, Clearfil SE Bond was applied to the cavity according to the manufacturer's instructions, and either a light-cured resin composite (PH, Clearfil Photo Core) or a dual-cured resin composite (DC, Clearfil DC Core), was placed in the bonded cavity. Clearfil Photo Core was placed in three increments while bulk-filling was used for Clearfil DC Core. The application of the bonding system and the composites to the flat dentin surface was the same as that for cavity. Specimens were stored in water for 1 week, then sectioned vertically into 2 or 3 slabs (0.7 mm thick) and trimmed for the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) test. The MTBSs were measured with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute. RESULTS: The results (mean +/- SD, MPa, n=10) of PH/Cavity, PH/Flat and DC/Flat were 21.9 +/- 3.4, 28.9 +/- 4.0, and 27.6 +/- 6.1 respectively. The MTBS could not be determined in DC/Cavity because of debonding occurred during sample preparation.     

New cavity forms in second deciduous molars which maximize dentin thickness between cavity and pulp chamber

This study was designed to devise configuratively ideal cavity formations using 49 second deciduous molars, consisting of 25 extracted from the maxilla and 24 from the mandible. A cavity having at least 1 mm subcavitary (below the cavity) dentin thickness at any point of measurement and having an appropriately formed and positioned retention was defined as an ideal cavity. The same methods were used as in our previous study of first deciduous molars. The following results were obtained: 1. In upper second deciduous molars, the subcavitary dentin thickness was thin at the mesiobuccal side of the cavity; it measured 0.9 mm. In lower second deciduous molars, the subcavitary dentin thickness was thin at the mesiobuccal, distolingual sides of the cavity, and central fossa, where the retentional groove was provided; it measured 0.8-0.9 mm. The other measured values exceeded 1.0 mm. All thickness measurements were very close to the values considered as ideal. 2. In upper second deciduous molars, the margins of the cavity were positioned medially to the summits of respective cusps, 1.8-2.0 mm at the buccal side and 1.5 mm at the lingual side. The entire cavity was located lingually. 3. In lower second deciduous molars, the buccal margin of the cavity was positioned 1.7 mm medially to the summit of the distobuccal cusp and 1.2-1.3 mm medially to the summits of the other buccal cusps. The lingual margin was positioned 1.4-1.5 mm medially to the summits of respective cusps. medially to the summits of respective cusps. 4. The buccolingual width of the cavity amounted to 1/3 of the distance between the summits of the buccal and lingual cusps in both upper and lower second deciduous molars. 5. At the mesial side, the depth of cavity was 1.4 mm at the buccal wall and 1.5 mm at the lingual wall in upper second deciduous molars, and 1.4 mm at the buccal wall and 1.6 mm at the lingual wall in lower second deciduous molars. 6. The width of gingival wall in the proximal box measured 1.0 mm in both upper and lower second deciduous molars.