Restorative material influence on radiographic interpretation

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of restorative materials on the radiographic interpretation of images compatible with recurrent proximal caries. 20 human posterior teeth that presented proximal or occlusal-proximal caries were used, without pulpar compromising, and 10 healthy teeth, that were selected by clinical and interproximal radiographic exam. The teeth were prepared by removing the carious tissue, and restored so that each tooth would have only one restoration, being either the occlusal-mesial or occlusal- distal face. Of the 20 restorations, 10 received flow type resin (Natural Flow, DFL) as a base, and the others only composite resin (TPH Spectrum, Dentsply). The restored teeth were radiographed by the interproximal technique, and the radiographs were subjectively assessed by 6 examiners. To assess inter-examiner agreement, the Kappa test was applied, and the Chi-squared test used to verify the influence of the materials on the image interpretation. The Kappa value was equal to 0.18, indicating a poor (0,00-0,20) agreement among the examiners, and p value was equal to 0,3991, showing no significant difference among the groups. It was concluded that the tested materials did not interfere in the interpretation of secondary caries images in Class II restorations. Key words: Dental caries. Diagnosis. Bitewing radiography.