Performance of methods for approximal caries detection in primary molars: in vivo study

Abstract

The presence of approximal caries lesions can be estimate clinically by color changes in the marginal ridge observed by the occlusal surface, associated with the presence of gingivitis and plaque in the gingival papilla. Authors have been suggested the utilization of criteria in order to determining the presence / absence and the depth of approximal lesions. The radiographic examination has been the more useful tool on detecting carioius lesions. Methods based on the optical phenomena resulting from the differences between healthy and decayed dental structures were developed (DiagnoDent Pen 2190 - Kavo, Biberach, Germany) in order to detect and quantified the lesions. Many researches have been developed in vitro comproving the efficacy of the auxiliary methods for caries detection. The objective of this research is to evaluate in vivo performance of the above methods for the detection of approximal caries lesions in primary molars. 50 approximal molars surfaces will be analyzed and classified according to Nyvad et all, 1999 and DiagnoDentPen for two examiners. Radiographic examination will be taken even that presenting signs suggestive of dentin lesion. When confirmed the presence of lesions in dentin, the cavities will be prepared and classified according to its deeptness (0: cavity in enamel; 1: cavity in the outer half of dentin; 2: deep cavity in dentin) and restored. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under the ROC curve Will be estimated. (AU)