Background: Agrawal and Shah modified CAST (Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment) is the novel index prepared specifically for the Indian population for the complete evaluation of the spectrum/range of dental caries described hierarchically.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs in an adult Indian population using Agrawal and Shah modified CAST index.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional transverse study was performed on 2000 adult patients in the age range of 19-70 years. All the adult patients were scored for caries presence by Agrawal and Shah modified CAST codes on a structured proforma. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data.
Results: The prevalence of dental caries calculated using Agrawal and Shah modified CAST index was 85.6%. 5.2% (104) adults had sound dentition, 4.1% (82) adults had restorations, 2.1% (42) adults had non-cavitated lesions, 13.7% (274) adults had the presence of caries in the enamel, 19% (380) adults had the presence of caries in dentine, and pulpal involvement was observed in 27.7% (554) adults. 10.3% (206) adults had presented with a root surface and cervical caries. 13.6% (272) adults had lost at least one tooth due to caries, and 3% (60) adults had lost teeth due to any other reason except dental caries. 1.3% (26) adult patients do not show any caries-related diagnosis but were having predisposing conditions.
Conclusion: Agrawal and Shah modified CAST index proved to be simple, useful, and appropriate in assessing dental caries prevalence in the Indian population along with the treatment needs of the Indian population.
Keywords: Adult; dental caries; epidemiology; prevalence.
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