Diagnosis and treatment decision of interproximal carious lesions

Abstract

Incipient carious lesions on in- terproximal surfaces are frequen- tly difficult to diagnose during conventional visual examination, making important to employ addi- tional diagnostic methods. The aim of this report is to describe the most commonly used diagno- sis methods for interproximal sur- faces, such as visual and radiogra- phic examination, tooth separa- tion, optic fiber trans-illumination and also to discuss on treatment decision for interproximal carious lesions. The presence of mineral loss in this region may be detec- ted by radiographic examination or optic fiber transillumination. Tooth separation may give infor- mation about the presence or not of clinical cavitation, as well as the characteristics of lesions on contacting interproximal surfa- ces (disease activity). In addition, presence of dental plaque and ble- eding of the adjacent papilla are suggestive of lesion activity in the region. It is recommended that the restorative procedure be car- ried out when the interproximal carious lesions are cavitated and located: (a) in the inner half of the dentin or (b) in the outer half of the dentin if there is plaque reten- tion, since it makes difficult the control by the patient. Key words: diagnosis, dental caries.