Introduction
Dental caries is a frequently observed pathology affecting both the primary and the permanent teeth. This disease is usually detected with visual-tactile method. Visual-tactile method is suitable for the detection of cavitated caries localized on the occlusal and smooth surfaces of the teeth. It also gives diagnostic information about the presence of deep cavitated caries localized on the approximal surfaces. However, it is not useful for the detection of initial non-cavitated approximal caries. It is not useful for the detection of initial non-cavitated approximal caries.
After the discovery of X-rays, radiography has become a routine method for the detection of dental caries. Caries causes loss of hard tissue of the teeth, therefore appears as a radiolucent area on radiographic images. The radiographic appearance of enamel caries is generally a radiolucent triangle. This changes when it progresses into the dentine. It is frequently seen as two triangles, one on the enamel, and the other on the dentin, with a base on the dento-enamel junction [1].
Compared to visual-tactile method radiographic imaging is superior for the detection of caries confined to enamel and dentine, and minimal cavitated lesions on approximal surfaces [2]. It has a higher sensitivity for detecting lesions extending into dentine and lesions forming cavitations on the approximal surfaces of the tooth. On the other hand, compared to visual-tactile method, the sensitivity of radiography for detecting initial caries is lower, but its specificity is higher. Detection of initial caries is important as they can be treated with non-invasive or micro-invasive methods, such as remineralization, sealing, or infiltration [3].
Periapical, bite-wing and panoramic radiography are routinely used two-dimensional radiographic techniques for the detection of caries. With the introduction of three-dimensional imaging in dentistry, it became possible to detect caries from cone beam computed tomography images. However, compared to intraoral and panoramic radiography, the radiation dose of this technique is very high; thus, it is not routinely used [4].
The crown, the root and the surrounding structures of the tooth in the area of interest could be assessed with periapical radiography. In general, periapical radiography should be performed in cases having deep dentinal caries and when the periapical region is going to be investigated. The crowns of the teeth and part of the roots (excluding the periapical region) in the area of interest could be evaluated with bitewing radiography. This technique allows the visualization of both the maxillary and mandibular teeth crowns in one radiographic image. In addition, due to the projection geometry, initial caries could be more visible compared to the periapical and panoramic technique. Bite-wing radiography is the most useful technique for the detection of caries [1].
Bite-wing radiographs could be obtained with intraoral X-ray equipment or with panoramic machines having a extra-oral bitewing option. These panoramic machines have a special digital sensor and a robotic motion of the panoramic X-ray tube. The advantage of this imaging modality is that it reduces the number of overlapping areas of the teeth compared to conventional panoramic radiography. However, the cost of the equipment is very high, and the number of false positive findings is higher [5].
According to the literature, compared to visual inspection bite-wing, radiography has a higher sensitivity for the detection of dentinal caries localized on the approximal surfaces [6]. However, it does not provide adequate information in all patients having caries located on the inner surface of the enamel and cavitated or non-cavitated lesions located on the outer surface of the dentine [7]. In general, the use of both visual-tactile method and bite-wing radiography increases the possibility of the detection of caries as compared to those using either method alone [8].
Although two-dimensional intraoral imaging is useful and has several advantages for caries detection, superimposition of unwanted structures is the main disadvantage of this method. In addition, the cervical burn-out effect and parallax phenomena seen on the approximal surfaces of the teeth are factors leading to false positive results [9]. Correct detection of caries is important as this is the key for proper treatment. Thus, the dentists should consider the advantages and disadvantages of these methods in dental practice.
The chapters in this book provide rich information to the readers starting with the history of oral hygiene manners, and modern oral hygiene practices. It continues with the prevalence and etiology of dental caries and remedy through natural sources. Etiology of secondary caries in prosthetic restorations and the relationship between orthodontic treatment and caries is addressed. Early childhood caries is presented according to updated research. The use of visual-tactile method, radiography and fluorescence in caries diagnosis is presented. The book ends with prevention methods and management of caries and white spot lesions.
Overview of the chapters of this book.
References
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