Comparison of caries lesion detection methods in epidemiological surveys: CAST, ICDAS and DMF

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough dental caries is a globally widespread disease, there is no consensus regarding the method that should be used for their detection. In recent decades, a variety of new methods have been proposed for measuring caries in a population. Three caries detection methods, the decayed, missing and filled (DMF) index, the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST), were compared to provide information to guide future method choices.MethodsThis was a descriptive, cross-sectional study in which three methods were used to measure caries in students, staff and their dependents at UNEB (State University of Bahia), Salvador, Brazil. We compared the mean application time of each method and the frequencies obtained by each method using the following indicators: the most severe caries lesion per individual; the mean number of missing, filled and decayed teeth; and the disease extent.ResultsThe mean time taken to apply the DMF was 3.8 min; for ICDAS, it took 8.9 min, and for CAST, 4.7 min. When calculating the indicator the most severe caries lesion per individual, the prevalence rates were as follows: 28.1% for DMF, 84.0% for ICDAS and 75.0% for CAST. The mean numbers of decayed, missing and filled teeth were 6.0 according to the DMF, 6.2 according to ICDAS and 5.9 according to CAST. When the disease extension indicator was used, the following percentages of teeth were affected by caries: DMF 22.12%, ICDAS 49.11% and CAST 33.2%.ConclusionsThe DMF underestimated the occurrence of caries lesions in individuals but was the fastest method to apply. ICDAS obtained detailed information regarding lesion severity, but it was a time-consuming method and difficult to analyse. CAST described disease distributions very well and identified lesion severities and preventive and curative needs in the examined group, and the time required to apply CAST was similar to that of the DMF.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12903-018-0583-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Diagnostic Drama. Use of ICDAS II and Fluorescence-Based Intraoral Camera in Early Occlusal Caries Detection: A Clinical Study

“…When taking into account the aspect of practical application during epidemiological studies, it is important to remember that ICDAS-II ensures detailed information about lesion severity, but it is considered as a time-consuming and hard to analyze method, also in the conditions of the dental office. Moreover, out of the office, it is even more difficult to keep the mouth dry and to ensure standardized and sufficient lighting conditions, which makes it impossible to carry out epidemiological studies and correct diagnosis of early carious lesions [22].…”

Assessment of caries on the first permanent molars in a group of seven‐ to thirteen‐year‐old schoolchildren: Comparison of DMF and ICDAS systems

“…33,35 On the other hand, some studies raise difficulties regarding the use of the ICDAS because it takes time, thus adding relevant costs to the survey implementation; however, our results did not reveal a difference between the mean time to score DMFT, DMFS and ICDAS indices. 23,28,36 Although…”

“…27 The frequency of caries varies considerably depending on the position of the tooth and its stage of eruption. 28,29 Shortly after its emergence, the occlusal surface of the first permanent molar (FPM) remains the best location for caries. 29 FPM is considered the most important tooth for dentition and dental development with a key role in occlusion.…”

Especificidad y Sensibilidad de Sistema ICDAS TM versus Índice COPD en la Detección de Caries

“…ICDAS TM mostró un 75 % de dientes cariados y COPD un 28,1 %. Cuando se analizó la extensión de la enfermedad para COPD fue de un 22,12 % y para ICDAS de un 49,11 % (Castro et al, 2018).…”