Accuracy of near-infrared reflection in detecting proximal caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the accuracy of near-infrared reflection (NIRR) technology in detecting proximal dental caries compared to the reference standard.

This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024570850). The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of NIRR were calculated from the accuracy parameters extracted from the included studies. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool.

Publications from PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Thirteen studies, including six in vitro and seven clinical studies, met the eligibility criteria. Most of the included studies assess NIRR employing near-infrared light with a wavelength of 850 nm, while 780, 1050, 1550, and 1600 nm NIR were adopted in a few studies. The pooled data from in vitro studies revealed that the sensitivity (95 % Confidence Interval, CI), specificity (95 % CI) and AUC of NIRR for proximal caries detection were 0.46(0.42-0.50) and 0.87(0.84-0.89), and 0.72, respectively. For clinical studies, the pooled sensitivity (95 % CI), specificity (95 % CI), and AUC were 0.65(0.62-0.68), 0.95(0.94-0.95) and 0.83, respectively. Seven studies showed a low risk, five studies showed a high risk, and one study showed an unclear risk of bias and applicability concerns.

NIRR is relatively insensitive but highly specific for the detection of proximal dental caries in posterior teeth. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, a cautious interpretation of the results is necessary. Future research is needed to confirm the potential of NIRR in detecting dental caries, particularly NIRR that utilizes longer wavelengths.

NIRR is a novel technology for caries detection. This study provides valuable information to researchers and clinicians who are interested in using this technology for caries detection.