Histological validation of electrical resistance measurements in the diagnosis of occlusal caries

Diagnosis of occlusal caries is difficult from visual and radiographic examination. The use of electrical resistance measurement has been described previously and reported to be a potentially sensitive alternative technique. This is possibly due to the decreased resistance of carious pits and fissures. The aim of this study was to validate a prototype electrical caries monitor for the diagnosis of caries in pits and fissures in vitro using a microfocal radiographic technique. Thirty discrete sites were investigated in 10 extracted molar teeth. Electrical resistance measurements were recorded at each site and thick sections (approximately 0.65 mm) prepared for microfocal radiography. Microfocal radiography indicated that six sites were sound, 10 had enamel caries and 14 dentine caries. At a resistance value of 2.2 M Omega, below which a site was regarded as carious and above which it was regarded as sound, electrical resistance measurements proved sensitive (92%) and specific (100%). Quantification of mineral content indicated that mineral loss in enamel may influence resistance measurement more than lesion depth.