Clinical and radiological examination of root surface caries. An in vitro study

The better knowledge of prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases is expected to give rise to retention of more number of teeth in future. However, the periodontal surgery and also the intensive mechanical oral hygiene may expose the root surfaces to cariogenic environment. The present study was intended to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiological examination of root surface caries on extracted teeth. One hundred and twenty extracted teeth, both anteriors and posteriors, collected from the Department of Oral Surgery, Pb. Govt. Dental College & Hospital, Amritsar, were examined clinically as well as radiographically from all the four surfaces. Mesial surfaces were found to be more susceptible to caries and the lingual surfaces the least. Approximately eighty percent agreement was observed in clinical and radiological examination. Thorough probing is suggested especially on buccal and lingual surfaces since radiographs of these surfaces may be difficult in vivo. It was concluded from the study that early detection of root caries is of paramount importance; and the preventive technique should be considered for elderly patients even if there is not detectable root caries.