title: The use of caries detector dye in diagnosis of occlusal carious lesions.
abstract: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the accuracy of diagnosis of carious lesions in the occlusal pit, fissure, and groove system of lower molars examined by two methods: examination by using caries detector dye. vs. traditional tactile examination using a dental explorer. Thirty human lower permanent molars were examined in this study. The occlusal surface of each tooth was examined by explorer; a linear measurement in millimeters of carious lesions diagnosed in the pit, fissure and groove system was recorded. The same surface was then stained with caries detection dye. Linear measurements in millimeters were then recorded for areas of stain remaining in the pit, fissure, and groove system. The thirty teeth were then sectioned buccal lingually in three sections, exposing 180 saggital histological cross sections for histological examination. Histological cross section confirmed a ratio of 1:1 (100%) accuracy by caries detection dye in diagnosing decay underlying the occlusal surface. Concurrent examination of the same occlusal surfaces by traditional explorer examination was reliable only in a 1:4 ratio (25%). Other findings of significance revealed by histological examination of the cross sections include: a sub-ridge occlusal transverse ridge of enamel; different shape and direction of occlusal grooves compared to traditional teaching; and unpredictable path of caries underlying the occlusal grooves.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: al-Sehaibany
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Rainey
mesh_terms: D004396:Coloring Agents; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003732:Dental Caries Activity Tests; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: C105689:Cari-D-Tect; D004396:Coloring Agents; D009930:Organic Chemicals