The effectiveness of a novel optical probe in subgingival calculus detection

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel optical calculus detection system under in vivo conditions. One hundred and seventy-six tooth surfaces from 44 adult teeth that were indicated for extraction were selected for the present study. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the two experimental groups. In group A (n = 96), clinical presence or absence of subgingival calculus deposits was determined using the light-emitting diode-based optical probe (OP). In group B (n = 80), the subgingival deposits were first recorded with the OP followed by root surface debridement until no subgingival deposits could be detected by the device. Teeth were then extracted and examined under a stereomicroscope by two trained dentists (DENT 1, DENT 2) and a dental student. Results were compared with the measurements of the OP and direct visual control. In group A, post-extraction results revealed 89% and 90% agreement with the positive and negative OPs detection. In group B, 17% of the surfaces demonstrated even after subgingival debridement and control with the detecting device still calcified deposits in the microscopic evaluation. The highest inter-examiner agreements were observed between DENT 1 and DENT 2. It was shown that the optical detection system identifies subgingival calculus with a high efficacy and therefore, may be a support for the operator to determine the endpoint of root surface instrumentation.