Early detection and management of non-cavitated proximal lesions

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the current available evidence on near infrared transillumination to detect and monitor early proximal enamel lesions.
It also portrays the current evidence related to the efficacy of new caries management methods to arrest or slow down the progression of such lesions using infiltration and sealing and goes into the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Moreover, this dissertation-project investigates an alternative method combining infiltration and sealing to overcome the disadvantages of each technique and provides a scientifically based protocol for a non-invasive proximal adhesive restoration of early proximal lesions.
Conclusions from this include the confirmation that proximal caries detection and monitoring can be achieved using near infrared transillumination in an earlier stage than what usually is found on radiographs, Non cavitated proximal lesions infiltration can be achieved using one component resin adhesives after proper enamel pretreatment.
Enamel pretreatment using an abrasive strip and phosphoric acid provides an enamel surface infiltratable with one component adhesives and combining the infiltration with sealing may provide a double protection of the lesion surface while infiltrating the lesion in a similar way as the marketed resin infiltrant.
Providing a non-invasive alternative to the classic caries detection and management approach, this thesis aims to support and encourage the paradigm shift of the actual practice of early caries management and promote early non-invasive interception to help maintain natural dentition for life.