Abstract
Objectives Bitewing radiographs are mainly used to confirm clinical findings in caries diagnostics. The objective here was to investigate the quality of bitewing radiographs after short brush-up training and additional findings besides caries in a low-caries population. Methods The material of this cross-sectional study comprised 377 pairs of bitewing radiographs of 19- to 20-year-olds taken by dentists. Radiography was considered indicated if one dentinal caries lesion was present on clinical examination. A senior oral radiologist evaluated quality and diagnosed the findings afterwards unaware of clinical status. The association between variables was analysed using cross tabulation and chi-squared testing. Results Almost half of the images were of compromised quality (44.1%). Dentinal caries lesions were detected in 82.3% and enamel lesions in 73.5% of the subjects. On average, the subjects had 1.7 (SD 0.52) dentinal lesions. Fillings were found in 81.8%, fractures/cracks in 11.7%, and attrition in 7.4% of the subjects. Signs of excessive bite force were recorded in 19.4%, whereas marginal bone loss was detected in 6.4%. No significant correlation was detected between fractures, attrition, and excessive bite forces. Conclusions Effort must be taken to ensure high quality of bitewing radiographs. In addition to caries detection, bitewing radiographs offer additional value, such as detecting excessive bite forces, tooth wear, and marginal bone loss among young adults.
Highlights
Radiographic imaging is mainly used to examine hard tissue structures
Radiographic imaging is accomplished by placing a receptor inside and parallel to the dental arch next to the desired area, usually by using a specific holder which helps positioning of the X-ray tube [1]. e effective dose received during bitewing radiography ranges between 1–10 μSv/exposure, which is roughly equivalent to one to two days’ background radiation [2, 3]. e calculated effective dose is dependent on factors such as beam size, collimator, energy, and the tissue weighting factors used
Our study indicates the same outcome as the conclusion of Hietala-Lenkkeri et al (2014) reporting that subjects with clinically detected caries lesions benefited more from bitewing radiography than subjects with clinically caries-free dentition
Summary
Radiographic imaging is mainly used to examine hard tissue structures. It is an inexpensive and easy-to-use method that is commonly employed in everyday dental practice to support clinical findings. Besides data on caries lesions of different depths, bitewing radiographs may offer more information, e.g., in the state of alveolar bone and other bony structures. Bitewing radiography is a method of imaging where premolar and molar crowns and alveolar bone are exposed. E effective dose received during bitewing radiography ranges between 1–10 μSv/exposure, which is roughly equivalent to one to two days’ background radiation [2, 3]. E calculated effective dose is dependent on factors such as beam size, collimator, energy, and the tissue weighting factors used (information confirmed by the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority STUK 2 April 2014) Radiographic imaging is accomplished by placing a receptor inside and parallel to the dental arch next to the desired area, usually by using a specific holder which helps positioning of the X-ray tube [1]. e effective dose received during bitewing radiography ranges between 1–10 μSv/exposure, which is roughly equivalent to one to two days’ background radiation [2, 3]. e calculated effective dose is dependent on factors such as beam size, collimator, energy, and the tissue weighting factors used (information confirmed by the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority STUK 2 April 2014)
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