Caries Risk Assessment: A Clinical and Statistical Model with Focus on Caries Risk in Swedish Adult Patients Requiring Prosthodontic Rehabilitation

Abstract

 Caries risk assessment for adult patients with a prosthodontic need can identify risks associated with dental caries prevalence. The primary aim of this study was to identify and validate different risk items associated with the caries risk in adults receiving prosthodontic rehabilitation. The study had a retrospective design with caries data on 127 adult patients, 61 men and 66 women, aged between 30 and 88 years requiring fixed prosthodontic rehabilitation. Factor analysis followed by multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors of importance. Factor analysis identified six factors: Health, Behavior, Technical quality, Saliva, Bacteria, and Dental history. Cronbach’s alpha values varied between 0.66 and 0.93. The factors Health (OR 0.90; CI 0.82–0.99) and Bacteria (OR 1.12; CI 1.02–1.23) showed a significant correlation with caries prevalence: decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS). Relevant risk items were tested and found to be associated with DMFS. In conclusion, Health and Bacteria items may play a significant role in caries risk in adults receiving fixed prosthodontic rehabilitation.