Performance differences in the detection of subgingival calculus by laser fluorescence devices

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Dental Diagnostics
• Biophotonics

Background:

• Subgingival calculus detection remains a challenge in periodontal therapy.
• Laser fluorescence (LF) devices offer a potential advancement over conventional probing.
• Limited data exists on the comparative performance of different LF devices for subgingival calculus detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility of three LF devices: DIAGNOdent Classic, DIAGNOdent Pen, and KEY3 laser.
• To evaluate their performance in detecting subgingival calculus on extracted teeth under standardized laboratory conditions.

Main Methods:

• Extracted teeth were mounted in typodont models with simulated periodontal tissues.
• 240 sites were assessed three times using each of the three LF devices.
• Results were compared against direct microscopic examination of root surfaces.

Main Results:

• The KEY3 laser exhibited the highest accuracy (86.4%), followed by the DIAGNOdent Pen (84%) and DIAGNOdent Classic (80.2%).
• Intra-examiner reproducibility was also highest for the KEY3 (mean Cohen kappa 0.74) compared to the DIAGNOdent Pen (0.66) and Classic (0.6).

Conclusions:

• The KEY3 laser device demonstrates superior accuracy and intra-examiner reproducibility for detecting subgingival calculus compared to the DIAGNOdent Classic and Pen.
• These findings suggest the KEY3 may be a more reliable tool for identifying subgingival calculus in clinical settings.