Publications by authors named "David N Ricketts"

Background: Laboratory studies have shown that digital subtraction radiography (DSR) can be a more effective tool, than conventional radiography, in monitoring changes in carious lesions. The clinical performance of the technique, however, has not been sufficiently researched.

Aim: To compare the reproducibility of DSR to that of bitewing radiographs, in monitoring changes in approximal caries in the mixed dentition.

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Although visual inspection is the most commonly used method for caries detection, and consequently the most investigated, studies have not been concerned about the clinical relevance of this procedure. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review in order to perform a critical evaluation considering the clinical relevance and methodological quality of studies on the accuracy of visual inspection for assessing caries lesions. Two independent reviewers searched several databases through July 2013 to identify papers/articles published in English.

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Background: Periodontal disease is the most common oral disease affecting adults, and although it is largely preventable it remains the major cause of poor oral health worldwide. Accumulation of microbial dental plaque is the primary aetiological factor for both periodontal disease and caries. Effective self-care (tooth brushing and interdental aids) for plaque control and removal of risk factors such as calculus, which can only be removed by periodontal instrumentation (PI), are considered necessary to prevent and treat periodontal disease thereby maintaining periodontal health.

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Background: Fluorescence-based methods have been proposed to aid caries lesion detection. Summarizing and analysing findings of studies about fluorescence-based methods could clarify their real benefits.

Objective: We aimed to perform a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of fluorescence-based methods in detecting caries lesions.

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Unlabelled: Epidemiological data show that the prevalence of caries on proximal surfaces in need of operative treatment is very high around the world, both in the primary and the permanent dentition. This article presents two new treatment methods: proximal sealing and proximal infiltration. The indications are progressing proximal caries lesions, radiographically with a depth around the enamel-dentine junction.

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Objective: The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the association between several parameters related to children and to their teeth, and the presence of active carious lesions assessed by two different visual indices on occlusal surfaces of primary molars.

Methods: Occlusal surfaces of 757 primary molars in 139 children (3-12 years old) were classified as sound, or having inactive or active carious lesions using the Nyvad criteria (NY) and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II) and a supplemental lesion activity assessment system (ICDAS-LAA). Several parameters related to the tooth and to the child were recorded.

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This study aimed to evaluate a laser fluorescence device (the DIAGNOdent) and a visual classification system (ICDAS-II) for occlusal caries diagnosis. It also aimed to determine whether fluorescence measurements taken at the tooth surface correlate with the fluorescence measurements taken within the body of the lesion. The occlusal surfaces of 100 extracted permanent teeth were examined using ICDAS-II and DIAGNOdent (LF-tooth).

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Modern endodontic and restorative techniques allow some teeth previously thought to be unsaveable to be aesthetically restored to function. This paper discusses the use of such techniques and is illustrated with a case report.

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Objective: Histology is frequently used as a gold standard to validate caries detection devices. Poor assessment consistency could lead to apparent changes in diagnostic accuracy. In multi-center, multi-examiner studies electronic transfer of information would be convenient, provided there is no deteriation in quality.

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Carious lesions can occur at different sites on the occlusal surfaces of teeth and may differ in appearance and severity. This study aimed to evaluate how estimates of reproducibility and accuracy of ICDAS-II were affected when all lesions on occlusal surfaces, or only a representative lesion, were scored. 100 permanent teeth with 1-4 investigation sites on the occlusal surface were examined visually by four examiners.

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This study compared a visual ranked scoring system and a radiographic ranked scoring system for occlusal caries detection with the level of infection of dentin. Seventy-five third-molars, designated for extraction, were professionally cleaned. Caries was scored according to a visual ranked scoring system at a selected site in the groove-fossa system.

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Background: Electrical resistance measurements have been used for the diagnosis of occlusal caries. Both site and surface-specific techniques have been described, the latter more suited to clinical trials or epidemiological surveys. For surface-specific measurements the tooth is dried and a contact medium drawn along the fissure pattern to provide an electrical contact between a probe tip and the tooth surface.

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