ICON- Caries Infiltration in Molar, Occlusal Fissures

Methods: Five fresh, healthy molars were cut horizontally at the anatomical equator and cleaned. Five measuring points were determined in the occlusal fissures (P1-P5). Control measurement was done on each point with Diagnodent Pen (KaVo). We stored the teeth in demineralising solution according to Buskes et al. with constant pH 4,7 at 37°C so as to induce experimental tooth decay. The study was subdivided into three phases. Phase1 (first demineralisation): Control point P1 (single demineralised control) and axial surfaces were covered with acid resistant nail varnish and then teeth were demineralised until P2-P5 achieved Diagnodent value 14. Phase2 (second demineralisation): Removal of nail varnish from P1, ICON application at P2, P3 and subsequent demineralisation of the teeth (P4, P5: double demineralised absolute controls). Phase3 (evaluation phase): As soon as P1 equaled or was over Diagnodent value 14, the examination was stopped and we evaluated P1-P5. Stereo photos were taken in order to present the fissure system with anaglyph pictures. Statistica 8.0 (Stat Soft Inc.) software with ANOVA Repeated Measures and Dunnett Test (p<0.05) was used for statistical measures. Results: There were significant differences in Diagnodent values of the three phases. There were not any significant differences between the free and ICON applicated points.

Conclusions: Preventive effect of ICON on smooth surface and interdental areas is literarily documented. Although in vitro effect has not been proved yet statistically, longterm studies and increase of tooth number will hopefully confirm our hypothesis also on occlusal surface.

Supports: Hungarian OTKA T049708, Faculty Research Application FOK/DH/3-5/2011.