A Comparative Evaluation of Visual, Laser Fluorescence, Near-infrared Light Transillumination, and Digital Radiography in the Diagnosis of Occlusal Enamel Caries in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Aim and background: , and digital radiography using histological validation as a reference standard. Materials and methods: Thirty-five primary molars with early occlusal enamel caries were examined and scored using ICDAS II criteria, DIAGNOdent™, VistaScan™, and DIAGNOcam™. Ground sections of the teeth were prepared for histological validation, and the presence of caries was evaluated using Downer's criteria. Results: DIAGNOcam™ exhibited the highest area under the ROC curve (0.83), with a sensitivity score of 96.7%, specificity of 50%, and an accuracy rate of 91.4%. VistaScan™ exhibited the lowest sensitivity (46.8%) and specificity (33.4%) among all four methods. There was a statistically significant correlation between visual examination, VistaScan™, DIAGNOdent™, and DIAGNOcam™ with histology. Additionally, a statistically significant correlation was observed between visual examination, VistaScan™, and DIAGNOdent™ with DIAGNOcam™. Conclusion: DIAGNOcam™ has demonstrated superior performance in detecting early occlusal caries, achieving results nearly comparable to the histological gold standard. NILT has proven to be a valuable tool for clinical practice and can be utilized as an adjunct to visual examination. Clinical significance: Near-infrared light transillumination plays a significant role in the early diagnosis of dental caries, thereby aiding in facilitating the implementation of preventive measures to curb caries progression in children. How to cite this article: Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(9):1116-1122.
Authors: N. Sridhar, Liz Mary Gerard
Institution: Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414376340