Unattended Dental Caries
Changes in Arch Morphology Due to Unattended Caries
This article documented the impact of caries left untreated. Even without the premature loss of primary teeth, arch length was shown to be reduced due to the breakdown of dental structures from caries.
Northway, W. and Wainright, R. "D-E Space - A Realistic Measure of Changes in Arch Morphology: Space Loss Due to Unattended Caries," Journal of Dental Research, 59 (10), 1577-80, 1980.
Abstract:
With the assistance of the Optocom, a computer interpreted digitization instrument, we are able to monitor changes in position within the dental arch, changes that have heretofore been describable only through constructed measurements. By evaluating the migration of any given point(s), or group of points within an arc (the dental arch) more pertinent information can be gleaned regarding the sequelae of an event (or insult) to the dental arch. The measurement, D-E Space, is described and utilized to examine the effects of unattended dental caries on arch form. Only caries which become severe have a significant effect on dental arch length (circumference): a reduction in D-E Space. While this results in nearly one millimeter ultimately, the only year for which the reduction is statistically significant is age nine in the maxilla and age ten in the mandible, the year following the exfoliation of the affected tooth. This exfoliation occurs one year earlier than the typical exfoliation attributable to Lee-way shift. The prematurity of exfoliation for this group occurs early enough that it too is statistically significant. Severe caries is defined as decay that results in the destruction and loss of at least the marginal ridge, as opposed to less significant breakdown, which is also conspicuous to dental cast observation.