Resin Infiltration of Non-Cavitated Proximal Caries Lesions: A Literature Review

Background: Noninvasive measures involving fluoridation, dietary control, and oral hygiene instruction, as well as invasive restorative methods, are the standard treatment options for interproximal caries. Intermediate treatment options, similar to pit-and-fissure sealing on occlusal surfaces that has been shown to be effective in preventing and inhibiting caries, have not yet been established on interproximal surfaces. Recently, the application of resins on interproximal caries lesions has been studied and improved, leading to the development of new materials, which infiltrate and seal the carious lesion, improving the inhibition of caries progression. Aim: The aim of this literature review was to revise the in vivo and in vitro scientific evidence of the ability of resin infiltration (RI) to arrest non-cavitated proximal caries lesions. Materials and methods: Electronic search of English scientific papers from 2007 to 2017 was accomplished using Pub Med search engine. The keywords used were ‘resin infiltration, dental caries’, ‘resin infiltration, carious lesions’, ‘resin infiltration, caries lesions’, ‘caries infiltration’ and ‘Icon DMG’ with the ‘clinical trial’ filter activated. Results: One hundred and forty articles were reviewed as well as some references of selected articles. Fifty studies described the ability of resin infiltration to arrest non-cavitated caries lesions. Conclusion: Data show this new technique complements existing treatment options for interproximal caries by delaying the time point for a restoration and consequently closing the gap between noninvasive and invasive treatment options.