The study was designed to provide a description of the structural and ultrastructural characteristics of arrested and active root caries lesions. The samples were obtained from 60 teeth designated for extraction for various reasons ( periodontal and prosthetic ) and collected from 50 patients, aged 40-72 years. 60 teeth with a total of 78 root caries lesions were used for examination. According to the criteria proposed by Nyvad and Fejerskov [ 1986] 36 lesions were identified as arrested, 29 lesions were classified as active, while 13 lesions represented an intermediary group of mixed lesions showing both areas of active and arrested caries. From each tooth a longitudinal ground section through the center of the root caries was prepared. They were embedded into epoxy resin, polished and covered with thin layer ( ca 20 nm ) of carbon. The specimens were examined in scanning electron microscope. The present study showed that the main structural characteristics of arrested lesions are: 1) the formation of an inner barrier as a result of tubular sclerosis 2) the formation of an outer barrier by a compact, highly mineralized surface zone, and 3) an area of mineralization extending from the outer barrier toward the root canal in the demineralised dentin. In active root caries lesions we didn't find an area of mineralization, dentin tubules were open, and we observed penetration of microorganisms. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the considerable potential of root caries lesions to become partly remineralized and arrested. That's why root caries lesions may, to a large extent, be treated by non-invasive procedures.

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