Radiographic caries detection (bitewing radiography) vs Reference standard (histological validation or cavity/lesion opening; advanced = cavitated/dentin-involved lesions, all = enamel-confined initial lesions also counted)
Sensitivity for detecting all (initial and advanced) proximal caries · Proximal surfaces of permanent molars (demonstrated in 12-14 year-olds; underlying diagnostic accuracy studies, mostly in vitro)
In the conventional (all-studies) meta-analysis, pooled sensitivity of radiographic detection for all (initial and advanced) proximal caries was 43.2% (95% CI 36 to 51) (ungraded).
3 findings from 1 review
- Visual and radiographic caries detection: a tailored meta-analysis for two different settings, Egypt and Germany. 2018 All outcomesConventional meta-analysis (all studies)Sensitivity 43.2 [36, 51]38 studiesGRADE not reported
- Visual and radiographic caries detection: a tailored meta-analysis for two different settings, Egypt and Germany. 2018 All outcomesPublic health clinic, Giza (Cairo), Egypt · Tailored to EgyptSensitivity 40.2 [32, 48]31 studiesGRADE not reported
- Visual and radiographic caries detection: a tailored meta-analysis for two different settings, Egypt and Germany. 2018 All outcomesPrivate practice, rural northern Germany · Tailored to GermanySensitivity 40.5 [33, 48]34 studiesGRADE not reported