ECSI ‐ A new index for evaluating caries progression

Abstract

abstract ECSI (Extrapolated Carious Surface Increment Index) is a caries progression index which takes into account the enlargement of existing lesions as well as the initiation of new ones. It differs in principle from previously described progression indices in that it is de‐fined as an interval scale which allows expression of the increment as a single figure. It is also unique in that it relates fillings and extractions to their preceding caries state. Detailed analysis of data from caries clinical trials shows that different populations which are apparently similar as judged on the basis of conventional DMF indices can in fact be shown to be grossly different as a result of different denial treatment patterns. Furthermore, the fundamental assumption of the DMFS index that an extracted tooth is equivalent to four or five‐carious surfaces is demonstrably false; the true figure obtained from the data studied is nearer 2.25. These shortcomings have been corrected in the ECSI logic. Copyright © 1974, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved