Frequency of alveolar bone loss adjacent to proximal caries in the primary molars and healing due to restoration of the teeth.

The frequency of alveolar bone loss adjacent to extensive proximal caries, and the effect of dental restorations on alveolar bone loss and healthy alveolar bone were examined in human primary molars. Proximal caries, contact loss, mesial drift and the presence of alveolar bone loss were recorded from 190 bite-wing radiographs from 60 boys and 46 girls. Proximal caries was evident in 297 quadrants. In 63.0% of quadrants, both primary molars had proximal caries. Contact loss was evident in 38.4% of the quadrants with proximal caries. Bone loss was found in 12.1% of the quadrants with proximal caries or 31.6% of those with contact loss. Analysis of variance for the presence of bone loss indicated statistically significant values (P less than 0.05) for one or two teeth with caries by quadrant, the presence or absence of contact loss, and age. A second examination was available for 41 children. Among these, eight out of the 36 bone defects disclosed at the first examination were present. At the second examination, after tooth restoration, healing of five bone defects was evident. These findings indicate a connection between the presence and treatment of extensive proximal caries and alveolar bone health in the primary dentition.