Use of ICDAS-II criteria in the detection of caries lesion in cleft lip and palate patients

Abstract

Objective: To use the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II) to evaluate the scores of different stages of caries lesion development in cleft lip and palate children. Material and Methods: Fifty cleft lip and palate children aged6-10 years at mixed dentition were selected. Two examiners, one after the other, performed the visual examination of dental surfaces. Firstly, the teeth were cleaned with the aid of pumice and water paste. The examination was carried out under the dental chair reflector, after air drying for 5 seconds with air-water syringe, and with the aid of a WHO probe. The sites comprising the sample were classified according to criteria proposed by ICDAS-II. Results: Ten children met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-five anterior teeth at the cleft area and 93 posterior teeth were assessed, totalizing 590 surfaces classified by ICDAS-II. Four hundred and ninety-four surfaces were scored as sound (code 0-0) regarding the Caries Lesion Condition. Only one surface was scored as partial sealant (code 1), according to the Tooth Surface Condition, but classified as sound regarding the Caries Lesion Condition (code 1-0). No surface exhibited stainless steel; porcelain, gold or porcelain fused to metal crowner veneer; lost or broken restoration; and temporary restoration (codes 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively). Conclusion: ICDAS-II shows good performance in analyzing caries lesions through more specific assessment and more accurate examination, enabling the detection of caries lesion development at several stages.