Two-year split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial on the progression of proximal carious lesions on primary molars after resin infiltration

Purpose: The purpose of this split-mouth, randomized, controlled clinical trial was to assess the progression of early proximal carious lesions on primary molars after resin infiltration. Methods: Twenty-eight children presenting two primary molars with proximal carious lesions detected radiographically (on the outer half of the enamel up to the outer one-third of dentin) were included. Baseline assessments consisted of standard digital bitewing radiographs, Visual Plaque Index (VPI), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), and visual examination of caries. Proximal lesions were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) resin infiltration (test) and (2) no infiltration (control). Reassessments were performed after two years. Lesion progression was considered when the radiographic score increased. Results: A significant difference in lesion progression was observed between test (54.1 percent) and control (79.2 percent) groups after two years (McNemar's test, P=0.03). Logistic regression for matched pairs showed that the test group had an 82 percent lower risk of caries progression (odds ratio equals 0.18, 95%CI 0.29 to 0.31). Conclusions: Infiltrating proximal lesions decreases radiographic caries progression in primary molars after a two-year follow-up period.