Depicting Errors in Clinical Decisions for Posterior Proximal Enamel Caries Lesions in Permanent Teeth Using the Fact Box Format.

Abstract

Objectives: To depict restorative treatment recommendations of US dentists for posterior proximal enamel caries lesions detected with bitewing radiographs in permanent teeth.

Methods: The Fact Box format was utilized to depict the probabilities of restorative treatment recommendations made by US dentists for posterior proximal enamel caries lesions detected with bitewing radiographs in permanent teeth. Four case scenarios were considered, including patients at low caries risk versus those at high caries risk for two proportions (10% versus 38%) of proximal enamel caries lesions with external surface cavitation.

Results: The Fact Box showed that the decision to restore posterior proximal enamel caries lesion was more likely to be an incorrect decision (61-91%) in the four case scenarios considered. Meanwhile, the decision to not provide restorative treatment for posterior proximal enamel caries lesion was less likely to be erroneous (9-37%) in the four case scenarios considered.

Conclusion: Using the Fact Box to depict restorative decision-making for posterior proximal enamel caries lesions in permanent teeth may improve communication of decisional probabilities and reduce restorative overtreatment.