Caries development in a young population managed by a restrictive attitude to radiography and operative intervention: I. A study at the patient level.

OBJECTIVES

To assess, in a young population (age 6-19) managed by a restrictive attitude to radiography and operative intervention, prevalence of patients with posterior caries and/or fillings, probabilities of new proximal dentine lesions given different caries experience, correlation between radiographic intervals and caries experience, and prevalence of endodontic treatment.

METHODS

Bitewing radiographs, taken between age 6 through 19 in 285 patients, were analysed in succession. Occlusal and proximal surfaces were coded for caries depth (0-4) and presence of fillings (5). Simple regression analysis was used to determine relations between radiographic intervals and caries experience. Significance testings of probability estimates were made with chi(2)- and t-tests, when applicable adjusted by the Bonferroni-Holm correction for mass-significance.

RESULTS

The prevalence of patients with >/ or =1 fillings/dentine lesions in occlusal surfaces increased from 6-78% and in proximal ones from 1-38%. The probability of developing new proximal dentine lesions/fillings over different time periods was significantly lower among caries-free patients than among those with enamel or dentine lesions. There was a poor correlation between radiographic intervals (mean=16 months, range=6-33) and accumulated caries experience. Endodontic treatment had been made in a total of six teeth in six patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A restrictive attitude both to the frequency with which radiographs are taken and to operative treatment of proximal caries seems to be possible in young populations with low caries prevalence.