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Explorer probing of root caries lesions: an in vitro study |
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| Authors: | John J Warren DDS MS Steven M Levy DDS MPH James S Wefel PhD |
| Institution: | Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive &Community Dentistry, N-337 Dental Science Building, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242;Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department of Preventive &Community Dentistry, N-337 Dental Science Building, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242;Director, Dows Institute for Dental Research, and Department of Pediatric Dentistry, The University of Iowa, College of Dentistry, Iowa City |
| Abstract: | Probing with a dental explorer is the preferred method of root caries diagnoses. However, studies suggest that use of a dental explorer in coronal caries detection may damage tooth structure. This pilot study investigated the effect of probing on remineralization of root surface lesions in vitro . Root-surface lesions were created on 10 extracted teeth by exposing them to a demineralizing solution for 21 days. One side of each lesion was then randomly selected and probed with an explorer, while the other side was not probed. The teeth then were placed in a remineralizing solution containing 10 parts per million (ppm) fluoride for 21 days. Of the 9 teeth with usable sections, all showed frank evidence of defects on the probed halves. Sites of remineralization were seen in the non-probed halves and adjacent to the probed defects, but not within or at the base of these defects. These results suggest that probing of root surfaces may create defects that do not fully remineralize. |
| Keywords: | Root surface caries in vitro carious lesions remineralization caries detection |