Paola Francescut1, Adrian Lussi. 1. Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Histology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. paola.francescut@zmk.unibe.ch
Abstract
PURPOSE: This in vitro study was performed to correlate the presence of discoloration on occlusal surfaces with its histological depth and assess its influence on Diagnodent measurements in a group of permanent and primary teeth. METHODS: Ninty-five primary and 95 permanent third molars were randomly selected from a pool of macroscopically intact teeth. One site of the fissure on each occlusal surface was selected and categorized according to its discoloration. Each site was measured 3 times with Diagnodent. The teeth were prepared histologically and evaluated according to their caries extent under a microscope (final magnification x 12.8). RESULTS: In the group of permanent teeth with dark brown or black discoloration (N=23), 13% showed dentinal caries, 57% were sound or had an initial enamel lesion, and 30% had a deep enamel lesion. In the group of primary teeth with dark brown and black discoloration (N=19), 42% presented dentinal caries, 42% showed deep enamel caries, and 16% had an initial enamel lesion. The difference between permanent and primary teeth was statistically significant (P<.05). Discolored fissures showed higher Diagnodent values than nondiscolored or opaque fissures in both groups (independent of their caries status). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of brown or dark spots on fissures were not useful for the prediction of dentinal caries for permanent teeth. In primary teeth, however, a higher correlation between fissure discoloration and dentinal lesions was found. Diagnodent tends to overscore discolored surfaces.
PURPOSE: This in vitro study was performed to correlate the presence of discoloration on occlusal surfaces with its histological depth and assess its influence on Diagnodent measurements in a group of permanent and primary teeth. METHODS: Ninty-five primary and 95 permanent third molars were randomly selected from a pool of macroscopically intact teeth. One site of the fissure on each occlusal surface was selected and categorized according to its discoloration. Each site was measured 3 times with Diagnodent. The teeth were prepared histologically and evaluated according to their caries extent under a microscope (final magnification x 12.8). RESULTS: In the group of permanent teeth with dark brown or black discoloration (N=23), 13% showed dentinal caries, 57% were sound or had an initial enamel lesion, and 30% had a deep enamel lesion. In the group of primary teeth with dark brown and black discoloration (N=19), 42% presented dentinal caries, 42% showed deep enamel caries, and 16% had an initial enamel lesion. The difference between permanent and primary teeth was statistically significant (P<.05). Discolored fissures showed higher Diagnodent values than nondiscolored or opaque fissures in both groups (independent of their caries status). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of brown or dark spots on fissures were not useful for the prediction of dentinal caries for permanent teeth. In primary teeth, however, a higher correlation between fissure discoloration and dentinal lesions was found. Diagnodent tends to overscore discolored surfaces.
Authors: Sonia K Makhija; Michael E Robinson; James D Bader; Daniel A Shugars; Mark S Litaker; Hong R Im; D Brad Rindal; Daniel J Pihlstrom; Cyril Meyerowitz; Valeria V Gordan; Meredith K Buchberg; Gregg H Gilbert Journal: J Dent Date: 2017-11-11 Impact factor: 4.379