Clinical-radiographic correlation in occlusal surfaces

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to correlate clinical and radiographic diagnoses of the occlusal surfaces of the first permanent molars. A total of 56 first permanent molars with no macroscopic evidence of caries were selected from 40 children. A research worker performed the visual examination (VE) and an expert performed the radiographic analysis employing bitewing radiographs. Each professional performed diagnosis independently. The statistical analysis revealed 1) Low correlation between both methods; Kappa 0.03, p = 0.34; 2) Correlation between past history of caries and VE taub Kendall 0.333, p = 0.003; no correlation between past history of caries and radiographic diagnosis 0.002, p = 0.984; 3) No correlation between each of the methods of diagnosis and the age of the patients. The radiographic analysis showed a high revalence of radiolucid images, interpreted as caries, that failed to be detected by VE. To improve VE as a diagnostic method for pits and fissures we should combine various procedures and consider other clinical predictors.