Journal of Dental Research, Vol 60, 1648-1654, Copyright © 1981 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Effect of stannous fluoride treatments on the progression of initial lesions in approximal surfaces of permanent posterior teeth
K. R. Powell, P. D. Barnard and G. G. Craig
Bite-wing radiographs were used to determine the effect of three forms of
topical SnF2 therapy on the progression of initial lesions in the
approximal surfaces of permanent posterior teeth. Radiographs were taken
annually over a four-year period. The subjects were schoolchildren, aged
12-14 yr, living in a low fluoride area. The professional application of a
10% SnF2 solution for 30 s, semi-annually for two yr, had no discernible
effect on the development of the initial lesions. However, the home use of
a SnF2 dentifrice did inhibit caries progression appreciably at all but one
of the four time intervals in the study. The professional application of a
10% SnF2 solution for 30 s, semi-annually for two yr, combined with the
home use of a SnF2 dentifrice, was the most effective treatment in
retarding lesion development. Even without topical fluoride therapy, the
rate of progression of initial approximal lesions was generally quite slow.
In view of these findings, it would seem sound clinical practice to treat
all initial lesions in approximal surfaces with topical fluoride therapy
and delay placement of restorations until there is radiographic evidence of
lesions reaching dentin.
