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Optimizing fluorescence-based caries detection: A diagnostic performance analysis of SmarTooth and DIAGNOdent pen
Kyusik Kim1, Hoi-In Jung2, Wonse Park3
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea.
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
|July 20, 2025
Summary
SmarTooth (SM) and DIAGNOdent (laser fluorescence [LF] pen) show high diagnostic performance for occlusal dental caries. SM demonstrated superior accuracy, making it a promising tool for detecting cavities.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Accurate detection of occlusal dental caries is crucial for timely intervention.
- Traditional methods may have limitations in sensitivity and specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of DIAGNOdent (LF pen), SmarTooth (SM), and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II (ICDAS II) for occlusal caries.
- To determine optimal cut-off values for LF pen and SM devices.
- To compare these methods against micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) as the gold standard.
Main Methods:
- 173 occlusal sites from extracted permanent teeth were assessed.
- Methods included LF pen, SM, and ICDAS II.
- Micro-CT served as the gold standard for comparison.
Main Results:
- ICDAS II showed highest sensitivity for enamel (D1) and dentin (D2) demineralization.
- LF pen demonstrated the highest specificity.
- SmarTooth (SM) achieved the highest accuracy for both D1 and D2 thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Both LF pen and SM exhibit high diagnostic capabilities for occlusal caries.
- SM offers superior overall accuracy, positioning it as a potentially highly effective caries detection tool.
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