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

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.