Caries Detection in Primary Teeth Using Intraoral Scanners Featuring Fluorescence: Protocol for a Diagnostic...

Area of Science:

• Digital Dentistry
• Oral Health Research
• Pediatric Dentistry

Background:

• Intraoral scanners create 3D dental models, aiding research and clinical workflows.
• Integrating fluorescence into scanners offers potential for early caries detection.
• The efficacy of 3D models with color and fluorescence for primary tooth caries detection is unestablished.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess diagnostic agreement for primary tooth caries detection.
• Compare visual examination (VE) with on-screen 3D model assessment (color and fluorescence).
• Evaluate an automated caries scoring system on 3D models with fluorescence.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from a randomized controlled trial at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.
• Conducted visual examination (VE) using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS).
• Performed on-screen assessment of 3D intraoral scans (TRIOS 4) with and without fluorescence, using a modified ICDAS index.
• Applied an automated caries scoring system to primary occlusal surfaces.
• Analyzed agreement using Bland-Altman analysis, intraclass correlation coefficients, and multilevel models.

Main Results:

• Automated caries scoring completed October 2023; results expected July 2024.
• On-screen assessment scoring and data analysis completion expected March 2024.
• Full results dissemination anticipated by end of 2024.

Conclusions:

• Study outcomes may inform novel digital practices for dental assessments.
• Digital models with fluorescence show promise for remote dental examinations.
• Findings could enhance accuracy in research, clinical practice, and teledentistry.