A retrospective clinical study on the resin infiltration of proximal caries lesions: the operator’s effect

PURPOSE: This retrospective university-based study investigated the effect of operators’ training and previous experience on the success of resin infiltration (RI) in arresting proximal non-cavitated caries lesions in primary and permanent teeth. METHODS: Information was collected regarding RI of proximal non-cavitated caries lesions in primary and permanent teeth with a follow-up period up to 32 months. Factors investigated were: operators’ clinical experience and training, patient’s age, tooth, arch, mouth-side, surface treated, tooth separation, and baseline lesion depth. Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox regression analysis with shared frailty were used (α = 5%). RESULTS: A total of 130 proximal surfaces treated on 115 teeth of 43 children (11 ± 4.4 years) were evaluated. Survival of RI was 46% up to 32 months. Lesions treated by non-trained dentists were more likely-to-present progression than those performed by non-trained dental students under supervision (HR 2.41, 95% CI: 1.00–5.80); conversely, no difference was found between non-trained dental students under supervision and trained dentists (HR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.16–1.70). Additionally, dentin lesions were 59% more-likely-to-present progression than enamel lesions (HR 0.41, 95% CI: 0.17–0.99). CONCLUSION: The operator’s experience and training could influence the success of RI on proximal non-cavitated caries lesions and it should be taken into consideration when choosing this treatment modality.