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The aim was to investigate the caries inhibition effect of two filling materials on incipient caries formation adjacent to dental fillings. The material consisted of twelve sound molar teeth, which were covered with wax with only a 3x2 mm window open. White spot lesions were produced in a computerised pH cycling system. During the whole period, the teeth were in the demineralisation solution for 1 h, and in the remineralisation solution for 6 h. Between the two solutions they were rinsed twice for 30 s with water. The demineralised areas were analysed, using QLF/.F. The teeth were then randomly assigned to either a Ketac or a Herculite group and a filling was placed adjacent to the demineralised area. A second window was created, after which the samples underwent a second demineralisation period. Both areas were then subsequently analysed with QLF. All but one sample in the Ketac group showed a lower degree of demineralisation in the first area after the second period compared to the first period, although it was not statistically significant (p = 0.34). The corresponding result in the Herculite group showed that all but one sample showed higher degree of demineralisation, although the differences were not significant (p = 0.07). All samples in the Ketac group showed a lower degree of demineralisation in the second area after the second period, with a significant difference (p = 0.03) between the first and the second demineralised area. The corresponding result in the Herculite group showed no trend and were not significant (p = 0.77). It can be concluded that QLF seems to be a promising method for assessment of incipient caries lesions adjacent to dental fillings. However, a larger number of specimens should be investigated. |