Assessment of Near-Infrared (780nm) Light Transillumination Accuracy for Detection of Incipient Caries Lesions

Abstract

The aim of study was to evaluate the accuracy of the near-infrared light transillumination technique used in the detection of the proximal incipient dental caries. The study was performed on 12 medium caries risk subjects (mean age of 26.5). A total number of 312 proximal dental surfaces from the posterior dental group were included in the study. All the proximal surfaces, which had not been restored, or unaffected by cavitated dental caries, were assessed by a near-infrared transillumination camera system using light with a 780nm wavelength (DIAGNOcam, KaVO). Bitewing radiographies were performed for all patients included in study. Visual and tactile examination after tooth separation was performed as gold standard to detect the incipient proximal dental caries (ICDAS scores 02 and 03). Statistical analysis using Chi-square test was performed to compare the diagnostic performance of near-infrared light transillumination and the bitewing radiography. Near-infrared light transillumination showed higher sensitivity (81.80%) when compared to bitewing radiography (65.90%) to detect the non-cavitated proximal enamel caries (ICDAS score 02). Near-infrared light transillumination method showed higher sensitivity (100%) when compared to bitewing radiography (81.50%) to detect the incipient cavitated proximal enamel caries (ICDAS score 03). Specificity values for proximal incipient dental caries (ICDAS codes 02 and 03) were 95.03% for near-infrared light transillumination and 99.18% for bitewing radiography. DIAGNOcam (KaVO) is a reliable tool with high diagnostic accuracy of the incipient dental caries localized on proximal surfaces of the posterior dental group.

Use of micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy to distinguish natural white spot enamel lesions from sound enamel in human premolars

“…These findings are consistent with an X-ray microtomography study by Huang et al (2007), which showed significantly lower mineral density in WSLs compared to sound enamel [24]. Another study by Topoliceanu et al (2013) also found a reduction in Ca and phosphorous ions in white and brown spot lesions relative to sound enamel in molar teeth [14].…”

“…Recent studies have demonstrated significant mineral loss in white spot lesions in comparison to normal human enamel. Examination of the occlusal surface of enamel using SEM combined with EDS has revealed a significant paucity of calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen ions in early carious lesions relative to sound enamel [14]. However, the characteristics of pit-and-fissure caries may differ from those of smooth surface caries, which are more frequently encountered in orthodontic patients.…”

Study Regarding the Relationship between Nutritional Status and Oral Health in the Elderly Patients

“…Oral pathology can lead to improper nutritional status, by pain and discomfort related to dental caries, periodontal disease and ill-fitted fixed dentures or removable dentures [17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. Also, even treated with removable dentures, the extended partial edentation or total edentation affect severely the digestive function and the nutritional status [24,25].…”