Infiltration of resin into white spot caries-like lesions of enamel: an in vitro study.

The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which caries lesions can be infiltrated successfully with polymerisable resins. This could provide dentists with an additional means of managing white spot lesions in high caries risk patients rather than relying on improved plaque control and fluoride application. Artificial caries lesions were produced in extracted premolar teeth using an acidified gel. The lesions were infiltrated using two of the resins currently available to the dental profession. The effects of acid etching the surface, and of drying the lesion by two methods, were investigated. The degree of resin penetration was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that following a short etch (5s with 36% phosphoric acid), prior dehydration of the lesion with ethanol and the application of multiple layers of bonding resin, lesions could be infiltrated almost completely with organic resin. This approach could offer an alternative approach for the management of uncavitated lesions.