Caries Detection With Laser Fluorescence Devices. Limitations of Their Use

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent human diseases worldwide. The modern concept of minimal invasive dentistry includes early detection of incipient caries lesions and its treatment. Several optical and digital detection methods are available. Objective: This literature review presents the utility and limitations of laser fl uorescence caries detection devices DIAGNOdent (DD) and DIAGNOdent Pen (DDpen) (KaVo Dental GmbH, Biberach/ Riβ, Germany) for carious lesions on the occlusal surfaces of the permanent dentition. Data sources: All available in vitro and in vivo studies from Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus machines corresponding to caries, DIAGNOdent, DIAGNOdent Pen and laser fl uorescence as key words, were reviewed. Data extraction: Certain limitations of the studies were the inadequate analysis of the experimental protocols, the widespread sample use of the third molar, mistakes in sample handling and the limited number of studies evaluating the detection capability of DD and DDPen for secondary caries. Data synthesis: DD and DDPen are useful devices for caries detection on the occlusal tooth surfaces. Their main advantages are the very high reproducibility of measurements (>0.90), the ease of handling and the quantifi cation and monitoring capacity. Their main limitations are the relatively low specifi city for enamel lesions, the necessity of unstained surfaces and absence of plaque and pastes during measurements and the absence of a universal, clinically functional calibration value (COV). Conclusion: Further studies are required for more reliable data analysis and clinical interpretation of the relevant results. Keywords: caries, DIAGNOdent, DIAGNOdent Pen, laser fl uorescence, laser.

Evaluation of the efficacy of visual, tactile method, caries detector dye, and laser fluorescence in removal of dental caries and confirmation by culture and polymerase chain reaction: An in vivo study

“…In previous in vitro studies, which have evaluated the performance of LF for residual caries detection in primary teeth after different caries removal methods, it has been reported that the LF system could be effective in assessing caries removal by different methods. [1920] In our study, Group A showed [Table 1] 12 PCR positive and 10 culture positive (48% and 40%, respectively), Group B showed 12 PCR positive and 6 culture positive (48% and 24%, respectively), and Group C showed 7 PCR positive and 7 culture positive (28% and 28%, respectively).…”

Current Novel Caries Diagnostic Technologies: Restorative Dentists’ Attitude and Use Preferences

“…Unfortunately, there is not a single NCDT that fulfills all the desirable criteria for all clinicians to use them. However, the ease of use and short learning curve experienced by clinicians when using some of the new NCDTs, were reported in the literature as driving factors behind the continuous development of NCDTs [66][67][68].…”

Identification of a Biomarker Panel for Diagnosis of Early Childhood Caries Using Salivary Metabolic Profile

“…However, visual inspection can be influenced by the subjective judgment of the inspector, and radiographic examination has limitations in accurately and precisely determining the extension of carious lesions [ 10 ]. Moreover, laser fluorescence devices are only effective in detecting occlusal caries and may detect the presence of stains and plaque during measurements, thereby reducing the specificity for detecting enamel lesions [ 11 ]. Therefore, the development of early and accurate detection method for the diagnosis of ECC is required.…”