A comparative study of the diagnostic accuracy of cone beam computed tomography and intraoral radiographic modalities for the detection of noncavitated caries.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the detection of approximal and occlusal noncavitated carious lesions. METHODS: A total of 135 extracted human posterior teeth were used. They were radiographed using the following: conventional film (Kodak Insight), a digital system (PSP plates Digora Optime, Soredex), and a CBCT system (NewTom 3G, Quantitative Radiology). All the images were assessed by two independent observers twice. Receiver operating characteristic analysis (Az) was used. RESULTS: NewTom 3G 9'' CBCT was statistically inferior to conventional film and a digital system for the detection of approximal caries. NewTom 3G 9'' had significantly higher Az values than PSP plate (p < 0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences between the Az values for CBCT and film (p > 0.33) for occlusal surface caries. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of all three tested radiographic systems is low, and it is necessary to use other methods to improve early caries detection. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CBCT has found a wide application in different fields of dentistry. The report from a CBCT examination performed for any of these reasons should include all abnormal findings, and the detection of noncavitated caries lesions is especially important because it facilitates the use of noninvasive treatment.