This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent diseases in the Western world. The widespread use of fluoride has helped to reduce the severity of the disease as well as changing the pattern of the disease process. It is now recognized that the occlusal tooth surface accounts for more disease than the smooth surface. Previous caries models used 'smooth surfaces' since they have a more standard morphology and are easier to study. The morphology of the grooves and fissures in the occlusal surface provides an additional risk factor for the caries process. To more fully understand the disease process in these susceptible surfaces, an occlusal caries model that includes an artificial fissure needs to be developed.
The aim of this study will be to test a model that combines a traditional, smooth surface crown model with an occlusal surface component for in situ situations. The occlusal component will have two centrally located, parallel troughs of equal dimensions placed on the enamel surface to mimic the occlusal groove architecture of normal tooth morphology. The crown will also have traditional enamel and root sections placed on the interproximal surface to replicate normal smooth surface tooth morphology.
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