Diagonosis of dental caries: A conventional and current perspective

Abstract

The diagnosis of dental caries is a basic skill a dentist must know but it remains difficult to master especiallyin early stages. Caries diagnosis may be done by visual method, tactile method, raidiography, cariesdetecting dyes, fiberoptic transillumination method, electronic caries monitor etc. dental caries diagnosisprimarily done by detection of white spot, discolouration frank cavitations and making use of explorersto feel the catch. Since a long time, Bitewings are most widely used for assessing caries radiographically.Fiber optic transillumination (FOTI) and digital imaging fiber optic transillumination (DIFOTI) makes useof visible light for caries detection. Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence (QLF) is based on property ofnatural fluorescence shown by tooth enamel. Electrical conductance technology makes use of the fact thatthere is a differential conductivity between sounds versus demineralized tooth enamel due to changes inporosity, as saliva soaks into the pores of the demineralized enamel and increases the electrical conductivityof the tooth. Alternating current impedance spectroscopy (Carie Scan) uses multiple electrical frequenciesto detect occlusal and smooth surface caries. CAD and PTR/LUM are newer trends being worked upon inthe field of dental caries diagnostics