[A possible criteria for diagnosis of early caries in pits and fissures].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine pits and fissures of occlusal surfaces with severe stains by both histological and clinical methods, and to evaluate the criteria for diagnosis of early caries in pits and fissures.


METHODS
Thirty-one fresh extracted molars and premolars, severely stained but no detectable defects in the surfaces, walls and floors of occlusal fissures, were collected. The teeth were longitudinally sliced across the stained fissures and ground into sections of 100-140 microns. The sections were observed using microscopy and microradiography.


RESULTS
All samples showed early carious lesions in pits and fissures under microscope. Demineralization in walls or floors was identified by microradiography in 30 samples.


CONCLUSIONS
Although without detectable defects, severely stained pits and fissures showed demineralization by using microscopy and microradiography. Thus, early caries in pits and fissures may be identified by the severely stained appearance.
Xie
Y
Y
School of Stomatology, Peking University.
Wu
Q
Q
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D003750:Dental Fissures / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012016:Reference Values; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology