Evaluation of the Effect of Magnification on Proximal Caries Diagnosis Via Digital Bitewing Radiography

Identification of proximal caries is a major challenge faced by dentists. Bitewing radiograph is the method commonly used to detectproximal caries. Another methodincludes the use of magnification in digital bitewing radiograph. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of magnification on the diagnosis of proximal caries.

In this descriptive study 40 sound human molars and premolars were selected. Based on the gold standard, the cavities were prepared under contact point on one proximal surface of the tooth. Teeth were mounted and digital bitewing radiographs were taken and images were observed at magnifications 5x, 4x, 3x, 2x, 1x. Every tooth was assessed for caries on a 5 point scale. The data was analyzed by Cochrane-Q test.

There was a significant difference between the certain sensitivity of proximal caries diagnosis in digital radiography in groups with magnitudes 1, 2 and 3with magnitude 4 and 5 groups (p value= 0.04). However, between the probable sensitivity (p value= 0.298), definite NVP (p value= 0.496) and probable NVP (p value= 0.819), definite attribute (p value= 0.846) and probability (P) There was no significant difference in proximal caries diagnosis.

The accuracy in detecting proximal caries increases with a magnification increase and magnification 2x and 3x have the highest diagnostic accuracy but over increased magnification can reduce the accuracy on proximal caries diagnosis.