Caries detection and quantification with DIAGNOdent: prospects for occlusal and root caries?

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Biophotonics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Light absorption by teeth can cause fluorescence, which increases with carious destruction.
• The DIAGNOdent System utilizes red light excitation and fluorescence detection for caries assessment.
• Current limitations restrict clinical application to accessible tooth surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of laser fluorescence for detecting and managing dental caries.
• To assess the diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility of the DIAGNOdent System.
• To explore the potential of fluorescence measurements in estimating lesion activity and prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Excitation of tooth surfaces with red light and detection of emitted fluorescence.
• Application of the DIAGNOdent System on occlusal and smooth surfaces.
• Correlation of fluorescence values with lesion characteristics like depth and texture.

Main Results:

• Fluorescence intensity increases with the progression of carious destruction.
• DIAGNOdent showed optimized validity and reproducibility for deep dentin lesions compared to traditional methods.
• Higher fluorescence values were observed in soft-textured lesions and with increasing cavity depth.
• Excellent reproducibility was confirmed for laser fluorescence measurements in root caries scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Laser fluorescence, particularly with the DIAGNOdent System, offers a promising tool for improved caries detection and diagnosis.
• The system aids in differentiating lesion activity and progression, supporting personalized treatment strategies.
• DIAGNOdent has the potential to enhance patient follow-up, prognosis estimation, and clinical management of primary carious lesions.