Secondary caries: what is it, and how it can be controlled, detected, and managed?

Abstract

Objectives To assess how to control, detect, and treat secondary caries. This review serves to inform a joint ORCA/EFCD consensus process. Methods Systematic and non-systematic reviews were performed or consulted and narratively synthesized. Results Secondary (or recurrent) caries is defined as a lesion associated with restorations or sealants. While the restorative material itself has some influence on secondary caries, further factors like the presence and size of restoration gaps, patients’ caries risk, and the placing dentist’s experience seem more relevant. Current detection methods for secondary caries are only sparsely validated and likely prone for the risk of over-detection. In many patients, it might be prudent to prioritize specific detection methods to avoid invasive overtreatment. Detected secondary caries can be managed either by repair of the defective part of the restoration or its complete replacement. Conclusions There is sparse data towards the nature of secondary caries and how to control, detect, and treat it.