RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF CARIES DEPTH, ROOT RESORPTION, AND FURCATION LESION IN PRIMARY MOLARS

Abstract

Objectives To determine the relationship of caries depth, root resorption, and furcation injury in primary molars. Study Design A cross-sectional study of patients aged 3 to 12 years. A health questionnaire was applied; the teeth were submitted to physical examination using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System and periapical radiography. Criteria for radiographic interpretation were established and assessments performed by 3 different specialists. The kappa coefficient measured interexaminer agreement at a level of significance of 5% for all tests. Results The sample consisted of 26 patients and 50 primary molars. The interexaminer agreement was almost perfect between the radiologist and pediatric dentist for caries depth on the mesial surface (K = 0.97), occlusal surface (K = 0.97), resorption of the mesial (K = 0.89), and distal roots (K = 0.93). The detection of furcation lesions was present in 42.3%; 50% of the teeth had at least one third of the mesial root resorbed and 75% of the distal root. Conclusions The depth of caries in primary teeth leads to the presence of a furcation lesion that influences root resorption. This information should be used by radiologists and dentistry to guide the use of criteria in radiographic evaluation and treatment decisions. To determine the relationship of caries depth, root resorption, and furcation injury in primary molars. A cross-sectional study of patients aged 3 to 12 years. A health questionnaire was applied; the teeth were submitted to physical examination using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System and periapical radiography. Criteria for radiographic interpretation were established and assessments performed by 3 different specialists. The kappa coefficient measured interexaminer agreement at a level of significance of 5% for all tests. The sample consisted of 26 patients and 50 primary molars. The interexaminer agreement was almost perfect between the radiologist and pediatric dentist for caries depth on the mesial surface (K = 0.97), occlusal surface (K = 0.97), resorption of the mesial (K = 0.89), and distal roots (K = 0.93). The detection of furcation lesions was present in 42.3%; 50% of the teeth had at least one third of the mesial root resorbed and 75% of the distal root. The depth of caries in primary teeth leads to the presence of a furcation lesion that influences root resorption. This information should be used by radiologists and dentistry to guide the use of criteria in radiographic evaluation and treatment decisions.