Frequency of recurrent caries in bitewing radiographies in patients who attended Kerman dental radiology centers, Iran

BACKGROUND AND AIM : Recurrent caries is defined as caries in the marginal edges of filled teeth and is the most common reason for restoration replacement. The aim of this study was to evaluation of recurrent caries in amalgam, resin-based restorations and crowns in bitewing radiographies in patients who attended Kerman dental radiology centers, Iran. METHODS : This cross-sectional study conducted on 3000 bitewing radiographies. Data were gathered by a checklist consist of sex, age, age of restorations (patients reported), and evaluation of radiographies consist of type of restorations, teeth number, existence recurrent caries. Radiographies examination was done by a last year dental student who was trained. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using chi-square and t-tests. P < 0.050 was considered significant. RESULTS : The rate of the recurrent caries was 8.4%. The rate of recurrent caries in amalgam and resin-based composite was 3.1 and 42.5%, respectively. Resin-based composite material had higher recurrent caries with significant difference (P = 0.001). There was also significant differences between age of restorations and recurrent caries (P = 0.030). Multi-surfaces restorations had more recurrent caries (P = 0.020). There was no significant correlation between sex, number of teeth, mandible or maxilla, and recurrent caries. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, resin-based composite, older and complex restorations had a higher rate of recurrent caries.