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Comparing treatment options for occlusal surfaces utilizing an invasive index
C McKnight-Hanes1, D R Myers, F S Salama
1School of Dentistry, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta.
Pediatric Dentistry
|July 1, 1990
Summary
A new invasive index effectively compares dentist-recommended treatments for molar decay, revealing significant variations in treatment approaches. Electrical resistance testing, however, proved unhelpful for planning treatments for questionable occlusal surface decay.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Dental Caries Research
- Conservative Dentistry
Background:
- Assessing the extent of dental caries and determining appropriate treatment is crucial for conservative dentistry.
- Variability in treatment decisions among dentists can impact patient outcomes and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an invasive index for comparing dental treatment recommendations for occlusal molar surfaces.
- To correlate invasive index scores with lesion extent via electrical resistance and histology.
- To evaluate the total tooth structure destruction from caries and preparation.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen extracted molars were examined by twenty dentists who assigned treatment scores (0-3) based on caries extent.
- Invasive index scores were analyzed using analysis of variance.
- Electrical resistance was measured using an electronic caries detector and compared to invasive index and histological findings.
Main Results:
- The developed invasive index proved effective in comparing treatment recommendations among dentists.
- Significant variation was observed in the treatments dentists recommended for occlusal surfaces.
- Electrical resistance testing did not provide useful data for treatment planning of questionable occlusal caries.
Conclusions:
- The invasive index is a valuable tool for evaluating and comparing treatment strategies for occlusal caries.
- Dentist-to-dentist variability in treatment selection for occlusal caries is substantial.
- Electrical resistance measurements are not recommended for treatment planning in such cases.