TY - JOUR

T1 - Relationship between External and Histologic Features of Progressive Stages of Caries in the Occlusal Fossa

AU - Ekstrand, K. R.

AU - Kuzmina, I.

AU - Bjørndal, L.

AU - Thylstrup, A.

PY - 1995

Y1 - 1995

N2 - The material comprised 140 extracted maxillary third molars. The central fossa area was examined with a stereomicroscope (SM) (x16) and macroscopically (M) under standardized conditions after cleaning and air-drying. Signs of caries were classified using a detailed scoring system involving 12 (SM) and 8 (M) classification criteria, ranging from 'sound' to 'cavitation with dentine involvement'. Six radiographic scores were used in the classification. Sections 250 microns in thickness were cut in buccolingual direction through the central fossa, and the fossa section with the most extensive stereomicroscopic changes was selected for histologic examination (x16). The histologic enamel and dentine changes were classified independently using 9 and 7 scores, respectively. The correlation between SM and the histologic enamel changes (HE scores) in terms of progressive demineralization and destruction were highly correlated (rs = 0.90). Dentinal changes were also highly correlated with enamel changes (rs = 0.85). The histologic classifications in conjunction with the macroscopical observations made it possible to demonstrate a clear relationship between the external degree of caries progression and the internal enamel and dentine reactions. The data did not support routine usage of radiographic examination for occlusal caries diagnosis.

AB - The material comprised 140 extracted maxillary third molars. The central fossa area was examined with a stereomicroscope (SM) (x16) and macroscopically (M) under standardized conditions after cleaning and air-drying. Signs of caries were classified using a detailed scoring system involving 12 (SM) and 8 (M) classification criteria, ranging from 'sound' to 'cavitation with dentine involvement'. Six radiographic scores were used in the classification. Sections 250 microns in thickness were cut in buccolingual direction through the central fossa, and the fossa section with the most extensive stereomicroscopic changes was selected for histologic examination (x16). The histologic enamel and dentine changes were classified independently using 9 and 7 scores, respectively. The correlation between SM and the histologic enamel changes (HE scores) in terms of progressive demineralization and destruction were highly correlated (rs = 0.90). Dentinal changes were also highly correlated with enamel changes (rs = 0.85). The histologic classifications in conjunction with the macroscopical observations made it possible to demonstrate a clear relationship between the external degree of caries progression and the internal enamel and dentine reactions. The data did not support routine usage of radiographic examination for occlusal caries diagnosis.

KW - Adolescent

KW - Adult

KW - Dental Caries

KW - Dental Enamel

KW - Dental Fissures

KW - Dentin

KW - Disease Progression

KW - Humans

KW - Microscopy

KW - Molar, Third

KW - Observer Variation

KW - Photogrammetry

KW - Reproducibility of Results

KW - Tooth Demineralization

KW - Tooth Discoloration

U2 - 10.1159/000262076

DO - 10.1159/000262076

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 7656292

VL - 29

SP - 243

EP - 250

JO - Caries Research

JF - Caries Research

SN - 0008-6568

IS - 4

ER -