Value of bite-wing radiographs in a clinical epidemiological study and their effect on the DMFS index

The aim of this study was to determine, for different age groups, the additional value of bite-wing radiographs compared to the clinical information, and to calculate the subsequent effect on the DMFS index. Subjects were 14, 17, 20, 23 years old, or in the age groups 25-34 and 35-54, who participated in a clinical epidemiological survey. After obtaining consent, bite-wings were taken of approximately 25% of the participants (n = 663). The extra diagnostic yield of the bite-wings varied between 163 and 700% for approximal dentine caries diagnosis of untreated surfaces, and between 233 and 593% for inadequate restoration judgement for filled surfaces. The DS score went up by about 20-98%, whereas the DMFS index increased between 1 and 12%, resulting in a radiographic correction factor of 1.01-1.12. In conclusion, the considerable increase in the prevalence of approximal dentinal lesions and inadequate restorations for all age groups results in higher numbers of surfaces in need of treatment, but is not accompanied by a significant increase in DMFS scores.