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Occlusal caries diagnosis in permanent teeth: an in vitro study
Gisele Angnes1, Vivian Angnes, Rosa Helena Miranda Grande
1Joaçaba, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Brazilian Oral Research
|February 24, 2006
Summary
Visual inspection (VI) is more reliable for detecting occlusal caries than laser fluorescence (LF) devices. VI demonstrated higher specificity and better overall performance in diagnosing dental caries on tooth surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Oral Health
Background:
- Dental caries reduction is uneven across tooth surfaces.
- Occlusal surfaces remain highly susceptible to caries development.
- Novel diagnostic methods for occlusal caries are under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic efficacy of a laser fluorescence (LF) system (DIAGNOdent) against the Ekstrands visual inspection (VI) system.
- To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of both methods for in vitro occlusal caries detection.
Main Methods:
- 57 extracted molars with intact occlusal surfaces were assessed.
- Two examiners used visual inspection (VI) and laser fluorescence (LF) on 110 sites.
- Histological analysis (X40) served as the gold standard for caries extension.
Main Results:
- Both VI and LF exhibited good intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility.
- VI showed higher specificity compared to LF.
- The area under the ROC curve indicated superior performance for VI over LF.
Conclusions:
- The Ekstrands visual system is a more reliable diagnostic tool for occlusal caries than the LF device.
- Laser fluorescence (LF) should be utilized as an adjunctive method for occlusal caries diagnosis.
