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Computer-assisted densitometric image analysis (CADIA) of previously sealed carious teeth: a pilot study
J B Briley1, S B Dove, E J Mertz-Fairhurst
1Dental Professional Services, Fairchild AFB, WA 99011-8701, USA.
Operative Dentistry
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Dental sealants can arrest occlusal caries, as shown by radiographic monitoring over 10 years. Analysis revealed no significant change in radiographic density, suggesting successful caries arrest in sealed restorations.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Dental Radiology
- Cariology
Background:
- Occlusal dental caries can be arrested using dental sealants.
- Radiographic monitoring is crucial for assessing the success of caries arrest.
- Sealed composite restorations can be placed without complete caries removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term radiographic changes in sealed occlusal restorations placed without caries removal.
- To determine if dental sealants effectively arrest dental caries over a 10-year period.
Main Methods:
- Four patients with sealed composite restorations underwent standardized sequential bitewing radiography over 10 years.
- Digital radiographs were analyzed using the Computer Aided Detection and Diagnosis of Dental Anomalies (CADIA) algorithm.
- Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to assess changes in radiographic density.
Main Results:
- CADIA values showed no statistically significant change in radiographic density over the 10-year interval (P > 0.05).
- This lack of change in radiographic density suggests that the dental caries remained arrested.
Conclusions:
- Sealed composite restorations placed without caries removal can lead to arrested dental caries.
- Long-term radiographic monitoring using algorithms like CADIA supports the assessment of caries arrest.
- This approach offers a viable minimally invasive option for managing occlusal dental caries.