THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION TO THE DETECTION OF ROOT SURFACE CARIES.

Proximal root caries cannot always be detected on clinical examination. Panoramic digital radiography can provide information that is difficult to obtain in clinical oral examinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of panoramic radiographic examinations in the detection of root caries and the frequency of the phenomenon of cervical burnout which can complicate the precise detection of root caries. Material and method: 45 patients selected for this study presented themselves at the Department of Cariology and Restorative Odontotherapy within the Faculty of Dental Medicine, UMF "Gr. T. Popa" Iasi and underwent digital radiographic and clinical examinations for the detection of root surface lesions. Results: Detection of early proximal root lesions was difficult to achieve on visual-tactile examination, and only 23 lesions were detected that were in an advanced cavitary stage. At the panoramic radiographic examination, 21 proximal root lesions were detected (47% of all). The teeth most affected by proximal root caries in this study were the upper second molars and the lower first and second molars and second premolars. The presence of cervical burnout was detected in 10 radiographs and was especially observed in the lower premolars in a triangular or circular shape, having demarcation edges, gradually becoming less visible towards the center of the tooth. Conclusions: The digital panoramic radiographic examination used in this study contributed significantly to the detection of proximal root lesions, but also presented some limitations due to radiographic visual illusions, such as cervical burnout and overlap of proximal surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]