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Occlusal caries detection on 3D models obtained with an intraoral scanner. A validation study
P Ntovas1, S Michou2, A R Benetti3
1Operative Dentistry Department, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
Journal of Dentistry
|March 1, 2023
Summary
Visual assessment of 3D dental models using intraoral scanning shows diagnostic performance comparable to clinical inspection for detecting occlusal caries lesions. This technology can aid in patient screening and remote caries assessment.
Area of Science:
- Dental diagnostics
- Caries detection
- Digital dentistry
Background:
- Visual inspection is standard for caries detection.
- 3D intraoral scanners offer new possibilities for dental diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate diagnostic performance of visual caries assessment on 3D dental models.
- Compare this to clinical visual inspection.
Main Methods:
- 53 permanent posterior teeth were examined using International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) criteria.
- Teeth were scanned using a 3D intraoral scanner with white and blue-violet light.
- On-screen assessment of 3D models was performed using modified ICDAS criteria, with histology as the reference.
Main Results:
- Accuracy values ranged from 0.59-0.79 for initial caries and 0.77-0.99 for moderate-extensive caries.
- No significant difference in diagnostic performance between clinical and on-screen assessment was found, except for sensitivity in the inner enamel.
- Tooth color and fluorescence provided similar diagnostic measures.
Conclusions:
- On-screen visual assessment of 3D models is comparable to clinical inspection for detecting occlusal caries.
- 3D intraoral scanning can support patient screening and remote caries assessment.
