An in vitro study of the correlation between clinical and radiographic examinations of proximal carious lesions in primary molars

Abstract

The present in vitro study assessed the correlation between clinical and interproximal radiographic examinations in diagnosing proximal caries of primary molars. A total of 223 mesial and distal surfaces, from 125 primary teeth, were evaluated clinically and radiographically. The results demonstrated a strong correlation between the increase of depth of radiolucency in radiographic examination and the clinical stage of lesions. The interproximal radiographic examination presented an excellent capability for discriminating surfaces with and without cavities in primary molars.

Performance of a Pen-Type Laser Fluorescence Device and Conventional Methods in Detecting Approximal Caries Lesions in Primary Teeth – in vivo Study

“…In the present study, the images with radiolucency extending to the middle third of the dentine or deeper usually indicated the presence of cavitations, while the radiographic images indicating enamel lesions did not present any cavitation. These findings were previously observed in primary teeth [Feldens et al, 2003].…”

“…Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel The detection of caries lesions on approximal surfaces of the posterior teeth is a difficult task, since wide contact points hamper direct visual inspection. Bitewing radiographs have been a valuable tool in detecting this kind of lesion [De Araujo et al, 1992;Ekstrand et al, 1997;Hintze et al, 1998Hintze et al, , 1999Bader et al, 2002;Feldens et al, 2003;Lussi et al, 2006], but the method has some shortcomings. Firstly, radiographic images underestimate the actual lesion depth and are unable to show any stages of enamel caries lesions.…”

Evaluation of final-year dental students concerning therapeutic decision making for proximal caries

“…The validity of the method, however, does not consolidate its use as an exclusive element of analysis in the therapeutic decision making process. 3,14 Classifi cation of a caries lesion, according to its penetration level, differs among the reports found in the related literature. In the present study, the penetration levels used followed a progressing lesion sequence: enamel, subdivided into external and internal, involvement of the dentino-enamel junction, and then the dentine, subdivided into external and internal involvement, for both the deciduous 7 and permanent teeth.…”

“…In light of current knowledge, the indication of restorative treatment in lesions strictly located on the enamel is considered excessive (overtreatment). With a lesion located on the external portion of the enamel, there is a high clinical probability that the lesion is a white stain of superfi cial integrity, both in deciduous 3,7,14 and permanent teeth. 2 Knowing that the caries disease process is dynamic and that the appearance of a lesion is the result of an imbalance, the importance of early diagnosis of an enamel lesion should be highlighted, not for restorative purposes, but for monitoring and control of the etio-logical factors involved, while seeking to reverse the caries process.…”

“…Following the clinical advances and the new knowledge acquired on the events that lead to a demineralization process, the related literature has contributed to basing decisions on sustainable evidence. [1][2][3] Even though several paradigmatic publications exist regarding this subject, some studies reveal that, when using the radiographic criteria, decisions appear to refl ect the understanding of inevitable and rapid progress of caries lesions. 1,2,4 Comprehension of this process by dental professors and professionals has been the object of several studies.…”