Mp. Rudolphy et al., PROGRESSION OF RADIOPACITIES AND RADIOLUCENCIES UNDER AMALGAM RESTORATIONS ON BITE-WING RADIOGRAPHS, Caries research, 31(1), 1997, pp. 19-23
Radiolucent and radiopaque areas in the dentine under amalgam fillings
represent demineralized tissue. The aim of this study was to investig
ate whether caries progresses in radiolucent and radiopaque areas unde
r amalgam fillings, by assessing their enlargement longitudinally on b
ite-wing radiographs. Bite-wings from dentitions of persons aged 17, 2
0 and 23 years were compared. For a 3-year evaluation, 365 teeth with
class I and class II amalgam restorations were available on bite-wings
; 16 radiopacities, 46 radiolucencies and 28 combinations could be fol
lowed longitudinally. All radiopacities remained the same size, 14 rad
iolucencies enlarged and 8 combinations enlarged. For a 6-year evaluat
ion, 236 filled teeth were available; 10 radiopacities, 30 radiolucenc
ies and 11 combinations could be compared longitudinally. All radiopac
ities remained the same size, 12 radiolucencies enlarged and 6 combina
tions enlarged. Because the radiopaque areas had not enlarged visibly
on bite-wing radiographs over 3 or even 6 years, it was concluded that
radiopacities may be non-progressing caries. A substantial number of
radiolucent areas, with or without concomitant radiopacities, did not
enlarge while radiolucent areas are considered as progressing caries.