Evaluation of the power of conventional radiography (bitewing) in the diagnosis of secondary caries following composite restorations in class II cavities with flowable composite base

One of the problems in dentistry is the diagnosis of secondary caries following Class II restorations filled with flow composite. Radiographs are an appropriate and non-invasive method for diagnosing caries that is not clinically obvious.

The study was performed diagnostically on 64 proximal surfaces belonging to completely healthy premolars. The studied surfaces were prepared for Class II restoration and repaired with flowable composite base. Artificial caries was created by PH cycling method with cariogenic solutions. Then the teeth in the putty blocks were mounted in pairs and radiographs were taken. The images were randomly and blindly provided to the observer (a maxillofacial radiologist and a restorative specialist) and the presence or absence of caries in the information forms was examined     ( Has-not-unspecified) was determined.

The study was performed on 32 premolars that were mounted in pairs, which is a total of 64 samples. The results of this study showed that digital radiographs had 10 analog samples or15.6% radiographs in 12 samples or18.7% incorrect diagnosis(F.P+F.N) and the ratio test showed that this difference in these two radiographic methods was not statistically significant.(P<0.9)                                                          

In the diagnosis of secondary caries, composite restorations in Class II cavities with flowable composite digital and conventional radiographic bases have the same power.