Comparison of Visual Examination, Bite-wing Radiography, and Fiberoptic Transillumination on Caries Detection

Abstract

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe detection of carious lesions in the initial stages of development is very important to prevent the occurrence of cavitation. Visual examination and the use of a dental probe, bite-wing radiography, and fiberoptic transillumination (FOTI) have long been recommended for this purpose. Visual examination and probing of suspected lesions are useful for detecting occlusal caries, but achieve no gain of sensitivity and might cause irreversible tooth damage. Bite-wing radiography helps to detect approximal lesions better than clinical examination and probing the lesion. But the diagnostic performance of bite-wing radiography at approximal and occlusal sites is different. The FOTI is a quick and inexpensive method that can enhance visual examination of all tooth surfaces.The aim of thisin vivostudy is to compare FOTI with bite-wing radiography and visual examination in the detection of approximal and occlusal caries.Materials and methodsA total of 46 patients without missing teeth and dentures in the posterior region of jaws were examined for the evaluation of all premolar and molar teeth contacts. Three blinded practitioners examined the patients. First one evaluated radiologically, second one visually, and the last one evaluated with FOTI.ResultsAccording to statistical results, bite-wing radiograph had the highest sensitivity. However, evaluation with FOTI had acceptable results to detect approximal caries.ConclusionStudy of the results has shown that clinically FOTI is an adjunct method for detection of approximal caries.How to cite this articleEren H, Yuksel HT, Inceoglu B, Kursun ES, Gorgun S. Comparison of Visual Examination, Bite-wing Radiography, and Fiberoptic Transillumination on Caries Detection. J Contemp Dent 2017;7(2):77-81.