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The Effect of Bitewing Radiography on Outcomes and Costs of Treating Caries in Permanent Teeth
Sponsor: Jukka Leinonen
Summary
Dentists commonly use bitewing radiographs (dental X-rays) together with a visual-tactile (clinical) examination to detect cavities between the back teeth. While bitewing radiography can identify some lesions that are not visible during a visual-tactile examination, it is unclear whether its use improves outcomes that are important to patients. Radiographs may lead to the detection and treatment of lesions that would not otherwise cause problems, resulting in additional costs and dental procedures. Despite the widespread use of bitewing radiography in adult dental care, its effects on treatment decisions, patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness have not been evaluated in randomized controlled trials among adults. Therefore, the investigators aim to conduct a randomized controlled trial to compare two strategies for caries diagnosis in young adults: visual-tactile examination alone and visual-tactile examination supplemented with bitewing radiography. Participants will undergo a standardized oral examination and will be randomly assigned to one of the two diagnostic strategies. Treatment recommendations will be based on the findings obtained using the allocated diagnostic approach and will follow predefined treatment criteria. The investigators will compare the effects of these diagnostic strategies on patient-important outcomes, treatment decisions, resource use, examination time, and cost-effectiveness. The results of this study will provide evidence on whether including bitewing radiography in routine caries diagnostics offers benefits that justify its additional costs and radiation exposure in young adults.
Official title: Visual-Tactile Examination Alone or Supplemented With Bitewing Radiography in Caries Diagnostics Among Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial - A Substudy of the PANIC 20-Year Follow-Up
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
Any - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
250
Start Date
2027-03-01
Completion Date
2040-03-01
Last Updated
2026-10-20
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Visual-tactile caries examination
Participants undergo a standardized visual-tactile dental examination for caries detection without bitewing radiography. Treatment recommendations are based on visual-tactile findings and predefined treatment criteria.
Visual-tactile caries examination and bilateral bitewing radiography
Participants undergo a standardized visual-tactile dental examination supplemented with bilateral bitewing radiography. Treatment recommendations are based on combined visual-tactile and radiographic findings and predefined treatment criteria.
Locations (1)
Pohjois-Savo Wellbeing Services County, Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases Teaching Unit
Kuopio, Northern Savonia, Finland