Detection Of Interproximal Caries Research Articles

Near-infrared imaging in orthodontic intraoral scanners for early interproximal caries detection

Intraoral scanners commonly used in orthodontic offices now offer near-infrared imaging (NIRI) technology, advertised as a screening tool to identify interproximal caries. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of NIRI detection of interproximal carious lesions in a common intraoral scanner (iTero Element 5D; Align Technology, San Jose, Calif) with and without bitewing radiograph complement, compared with a microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) reference standard. Extracted human posterior teeth (premolars and molars) were selected for early (noncavitated) interproximal carious lesions (n= 39) and sound control surfaces (n= 47). The teeth were scanned via micro-CT for evaluation by 2 blinded evaluators using consensus scoring. The teeth were mounted to simulate anatomic interproximal contacts and underwent a NIRI scan using iTero Element 5D and bitewing radiographs. Two trained, calibrated examiners independently evaluated (1) near-infrared images alone with clinical photograph, (2) bitewing radiograph alone with clinical photograph, and (3) near-infrared images with bitewing radiograph and clinical photograph in combination, after at least a 10-day washout period between each evaluation. Interrater reliability was highest for NIRI alone (k= 0.533) compared with bitewing radiograph alone (k= 0.176) or in combination (k= 0.256). NIRI alone showed high specificity (0.83-0.96) and moderate sensitivity (0.42-0.63) compared with a micro-CT reference standard. Dentin lesions were significantly more reliably detected than enamel lesions. After rigorous training and calibration, NIRI can be used with moderate reliability, high specificity, and moderate sensitivity to detect noncavitated interproximal carious lesions.

Accuracy of an intraoral scanner with near-infrared imaging feature in detection of interproximal caries of permanent teeth: An in vivo validation.

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of an intraoral scanner with near-infrared imaging (NIRI) feature in the diagnosis of interproximal caries and to compare it with the visual-tactile method (VTM), bitewing radiography (BWR), and panoramic radiography (PR). Six hundred thirty-nine interproximal surfaces (mesial-distal) of posterior teeth from 22 volunteers were examined. Results were scored by VTM, BWR, PR, and NIRI. Lesions were scored as 0 for no-caries, 1 for early-enamel lesion (EEL), and 2 for lesions involving dentino-enamel junction (DEJ). McNemar, Kappa, and Fleis Kappa tests were used to evaluate the agreement levels. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to determine the matching rates after validation. A good level of agreement was observed between examination methods (Ƙ = 0.613; p < 0.001). In pairwise comparisons, a moderate agreement was seen between all the methods for lesions with DEJ involvement, while a statistically good agreement was observed between BWR and NIRI (Ƙ = 0.675; p < 0.001). As a result of validation, the accuracy of NIRI for molars was considered 85.2% and 75.7% for premolars in EELs, 85.2% for molars, and 70% for premolars regarding the lesions involving DEJ. Intraoral scanners with the NIRI feature may be used for diagnosing interproximal caries, especially for permanent molars. Early detection of proximal caries is one of the most essential topics forming the basis of preventive dentistry. This study investigates a caries diagnostic tool integrated into intraoral scanners to diagnose interproximal caries. A caries diagnostic tool integrated into an intraoral scanner may prevent the harmful effects of ionizing radiation in early caries diagnosis and may improve the patient's oral health status.

Comparative Diagnostic Accuracy of VistaCam IX Proxi and Bitewing Radiography for Detection of Interproximal Caries.

Early detection of caries and the extent of carious lesions for appropriate treatment planning are very important and lead to introduction of new diagnostic tools. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of VistaCam IX Proxi and bitewing radiography for detection of posterior interproximal caries. This in vitro study was performed on 40 extracted posterior teeth without cavitated carious lesions. Bitewing radiographs were obtained, infrared (IR) examination was performed, and the teeth were sectioned for histopathological analysis under a stereomicroscope as the gold standard for detection of caries and determination of the extent of carious lesions. Data were analyzed with Cohen's kappa statistic, and Wilcoxon rank sum test. The specificity of VistaCam IX Proxi and bitewing radiography was 71.4% and 87.7%, respectively. Their sensitivity was 100% and 40% for enamel caries, 72.8% and 54.5% for external half dentin caries, and 82.3% and 58.8% for internal half dentin caries, respectively (p= 0.048). Bitewing radiography had a higher specificity and lower rate of false positive results. However, VistaCam IX Proxi had higher sensitivity for caries detection with lower rate of false negative results. Considering the higher sensitivity and significantly lower frequency of false negative results by VistaCam IX Proxi, it may be reliably used for caries detection specially enamel caries, and can serve as an adjunct to bitewing radiography.

Caries detection and characterization in pediatric patients using iTero 5D near-infrared technology

Near-infrared imaging (NIRI) has been proposed as an alternative to radiographs and uses nonionizing radiation in the near-infrared spectrum to differentially scatter light off tooth surfaces and generate images allowing interproximal caries detection. The new iTero 5D Element Scanner (Align Technology, Santa Clara, Calif) has integrated NIRI capture and viewing technology but has not been specifically studied in a pediatric population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess clinicians' abilities to detect and characterize caries in pediatric patients using this instrument. Bitewing (BW) radiographs and an intraoral scan were captured on 17 pediatric patients (344 surfaces were analyzed). Data were randomized and graded by 5 calibrated clinicians individually with 2 different rounds of grading. The reliability of lesion characterization (ie, grade) among examiners was poor to fair in both systems, whereas the reliability of caries detection was moderate. Both systems had a high specificity and low sensitivity. The reliability of the characterization of the combined dataset was moderate to substantial, whereas, for detection, it was substantial. When using either BW or NIRI analysis, reliability is relatively poor, and clinicians are more likely to correctly identify a healthy tooth surface when compared with a carious surface. There is a small difference in error rate between BW and NIRI systems that is not likely to be clinically significant. When NIRI and BW data are combined, clinician agreement for both lesion characterization and detection increases significantly.

Diagnosis of Interproximal Caries Lesions in Bitewing Radiographs Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network-Based Software

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic reliability of a web-based artificial intelligence program for the detection of interproximal caries in bitewing radiographs. Three hundred bitewing radiographs of patients were subjected to the evaluation of a convolutional neural network. First, the images were visually evaluated by a previously trained and calibrated operator with radiodiagnosis experience. Then, ground truth was established and was clinically validated. For enamel caries, clinical assessment included a combination of clinical-visual and radiography evaluations. For dentin caries, clinical validation was performed by instrumentally accessing the cavity. Second, the images were uploaded and analyzed by the web-based software. Four different models were established to analyze its evaluations according to the confidence threshold (0–100%) offered by the program: model 1 (values >0% were considered positive and values of 0% were considered negative), model 2 (values ≥25% were considered positive and values <25% were considered negative), model 3 (values ≥50% were considered positive and values <50% were considered negative), and model 4 (values ≥75% were considered positive and values <75% were considered negative). The accuracy rate (A), sensitivity (S), specificity (E), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were calculated for the four models of agreement with the software. Models showed the following results respectively: A = 70.8%, 82%, 85.6%, 86.1%; S = 87%, 69.8%, 57%, 41.6%; E = 66.3%, 85.4%, 93.7%, 98.5%; PPV = 42%, 57.2%, 71.6%, 88.6%; NPV = 94.8%, 91%, 88.6%, 85.8%; PLR = 2.58, 4.78, 9.05, 27.73; NLR = 0.2, 0.35, 0.46, 0.59; AUC = 0.767, 0.777, 0.753, 0.701. Findings in the present study suggest that the artificial intelligence web-based software provides a good diagnostic reliability on the detection of dental caries. Our study highlighted model 2 for showing the best results to differentiate between healthy teeth and decayed teeth.

Comparison of Diagnostic Ability of Conventional Film and Storage Phosphor Plate in Detecting Proximal Caries with Direct Measurements by Stereomicroscope: A Diagnostic Test Evaluation.

Background:Radiography plays an important role in detection of interproximal caries. The aim of study is to compare diagnostic ability of conventional film and photostimulable phosphor (PSP) with direct measurement using stereomicroscope in detecting proximal caries.Methodology:In this descriptive study – diagnostic test evaluation, 200 proximal surfaces of 100 extracted human posterior teeth were radiographed with dental X-ray unit. Evaluation of conventional and digital radiographs was performed twice by three observers. Carious lesions were classified based on a four-point scale (R0–R3) suggested by Abesi et al. Weighted kappa coefficients were calculated to assess intra- and interobserver agreement for each image set. Indices of diagnostic ability calculation were based on the first readings of the three observers. The scores were compared with the histological gold standard using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate diagnostic ability.Results:Intraobserver kappa coefficients calculated for each observer for each method of detecting caries ranged from 0.914 to 0.956. Interobserver kappa coefficients for each image set ranged from 0.8788 to 0.9583. The sensitivity and specificity of film for the first observer were 77.5% and 78.3% and for PSP were 77.5% and 80%, respectively. ROC analysis revealed that there were no statistically significant results (P > 0.05) between Az values for the two detection methods.Conclusion:PSP plate should be preferred over conventional films in detecting cavitated proximal caries. Further studies with more noncavitated proximal surfaces are required to conclusively establish the diagnostic ability of PSP over conventional film.

Efficacy of bisphosphonates in detection of early enamel caries using NIR fluorescence imaging and inhibition of caries progression.

NIR fluorescence imaging using bisphosphonate-Indocyanine green has been indicated for early interproximal caries detection. This study assessed diagnostic accuracy of caries detection by NIR fluorescence imaging with OsteoSense 750® (OS750) in vitro and ex vivo, and to analyze the therapeutic efficacy of a bisphosphonate (Etidronate) in inhibiting enamel caries progression in vitro.Methods: Four experiments were conducted using extracted human teeth; 1) to calculate the infiltration rate of OS750 into interproximal white spot lesions using fluorescence microscope, 2) to assess diagnostic accuracy of interproximal natural white spot lesions using desktop NIR fluorescence imaging device in vitro setting, 3) to assess diagnostic accuracy of artificially created deeper enamel carious lesion (0.5 mm~1.0 mm) using NIR fluorescence image through the head-mount display in ex vivo setting, 4) to compare the progression on the enamel caries lesions treated by Etidronate, NaF and distilled-water. Diagnostic accuracy was analyzed using sensitivity, specificity and receiver operating curves (ROC). The caries progression was calculated with micro-CT and was statistically analyzed using a two-way ANOVA and the Tukey HDS post-hoc test.Results: 1) The infiltration rate of OS750 was 101.83% ± 8.66 (Min: 90.10%, Max: 133.94%). 2) The average of sensitivity and specificity in vitro setting experiments were 86.7% ± 4.4% and 70% ± 11%, respectively. The average of area under the ROC curves (AUC) was 0.883 ± 0.059 indicating excellent performance. 3) The mean sensitivity and specificity in ex vivo setting was 82.97% ± 15% and 76.78% ± 13.27% respectively. 4) The carious lesion volume treated by Etidronate was significantly smaller at post treatment-1 (p<0.05) and treatment-2 (p<0.01) than the control. There was no significant difference in lesion volume in the Etidronate and NaF group at the time point of post treatment-1.Conclusion: This study suggests that bisphosphonates contribute to both early diagnosis of enamel caries and inhibition of caries progression.

In vivo correlation of near-infrared transillumination and visual inspection with bitewing radiography for the detection of interproximal caries in permanent and primary teeth.

To evaluate near-infrared light transillumination (NILT) for interproximal caries detection in children by comparing the correlation between both NILT and visual inspection (ICDAS) with bitewing (BW) radiography and by investigating possible differences in caries detection with NILT between primary and permanent teeth. From 35 patients, 121 and 63 interproximal surfaces in, respectively, primary and permanent teeth were included. NILT images were obtained using DIAGNOcam™ (KaVo) and scored by two calibrated raters. A consensus diagnosis was reached for BW radiography; whereas, the ICDAS scores were obtained by one calibrated rater. Weighted Kappa (wκ) was used to evaluate inter- and intra-rater reliability of NILT and to evaluate the correlation between NILT, ICDAS and BW radiography. The correlation between NILT and BW radiography was moderate to substantial for primary teeth [Rater 1: wκ = 0.61 (95% CI = 0.49-0.75), Rater 2: wκ = 0.55 (95% CI = 0.41-0.69)] and fair for permanent teeth [Rater 1: wκ = 0.34 (95% CI = 0.15-0.53), Rater 2: wκ = 0.33 (95% CI = 0.08-0.58)]. The correlation between ICDAS and BW radiography was moderate for primary teeth [wκ = 0.49 (95% CI = 0.35-0.63)] and substantial for permanent teeth [wκ = 0.62 (95% CI = 0.32-0.92)]. No significant differences were found between primary and permanent teeth. NILT cannot be recommended as a single diagnostic tool for interproximal caries detection in primary teeth. The number of false negatives for dentine caries, especially in first primary molars, was too high. For the use in permanent teeth, NILT could be more accurate than BW radiography.

Accuracy of Cone-beam Computed Tomography and Extraoral Bitewings Compared to Intraoral Bitewings in Detection of Interproximal Caries

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and extraoral bitewings in the detection of interproximal caries compared to intraoral bitewings. Seven preserved cadaver heads with 106 teeth (molars, premolars, and canines) including 183 proximal surfaces were used. Five r adiographic modalities were studied: intraoral bitewings, extraoral bitewings, iCAT 3D, ProMax 3D high r esolution, and ProMax 3D low r esolution. Seven pediatric dental r esidents were r ecruited and calibrated as observers and asked to evaluate each proximal surface. Teeth were extracted, mounted, drilled, caries detection dye was applied, and the surfaces were examined under the light microscope. Interexaminer r eliability, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values were compared. No significant differences were found in sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values between the five r adiographic modalities. R estorations may influence the accuracy of caries diagnosis. Cone-beam computed tomography radiographs and extraoral bitewings showed similar accuracies in detecting interproximal caries compared to intraoral bitewings. This suggests that with proper training and experience, CBCT and extraoral bitewings could be comparable to intraoral bitewings in detecting interproximal caries. Cone-beam computed tomography and extraoral bitewings could potentially serve as alternatives to intraoral bitewings to diagnose proximal caries, especially when the CBCT study is needed for a specific diagnostic purpose.

The Effect of Delayed Scanning of Photostimulable Phosphor Plates on Inter-proximal Caries Detection

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different scan delays and different kVps on the diagnostic accuracy of inter-proximal caries detection in photostimulable phosphor plates (PSPs).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: 45 non-cavitated extracted human posterior teeth were radiographed using the DIGORA® PSPs (Soredex Corporation, Helsinki, Finland). The plates were exposed at 60 kVp and 70 kVp were scanned immediately, 10 min, 30 min, 1h, 6 h, 24 h and 48 h after exposure. In between the exposure and the scan period, the plates were stored in light-tight boxes. The true presence of caries was determined by sectioning the teeth mesiodistally. The accuracy was expressed as the area under ROC curve (AZ). The AZs were compared using SPSS version17 software and repeated measurement test. Kappa was used to measure inter and intra observer agreement.&#x0D; Results: There was no significant difference between caries detection AZs of the images that were scanned immediately and within 30 min after exposure at 60 kVp and 70 kVp (P &gt;0.05). The immediately scanned AZ at 60 kVp was significantly higher than the AZs with 6 h, 24 h and 48 h scan delays (P &lt;0.05). the immediately scanned AZ at 70Kvp was significantly higher than the AZs of 1 h, 6 h, 24 h and 48 h (P &lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: PSP scanning should not be delayed higher than 30 min in order to have an accurate proximal caries detection. Longer delays may cause loss of quality of images.

Detection of proximal caries with digital intraoral bitewing radiography: An interobserver analysis

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to analyze bitewing digital images detection of interproximal caries through interobserver agreement. Materials and Methods: The study evaluated 152 bitewing radiographs for detection of interproximal caries by two observers: an operative dentist and oral radiologist. Results: The Kappa values for interobserver agreements were 0.47 and 0.44 in the first and second observations, while for intraobserver agreements, these values were 0.61 and 0.69 for the operative dentist and oral radiologist, respectively. Comparison of area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for inter- and intra-observer ratings was nonsignificant. Conclusion: The digital bitewing radiography resulted in no variation in both the agreements, and it was useful with respect to the reliability of diagnosis of interproximal caries.

Insufficient evidence of the superiority of near-infrared light transillumination over bite-wing digital radiograph for detecting early interproximal carious lesions

Baltacioglu IH, Orhan K. Comparison of diagnostic methods for early interproximal caries detection with near-infrared light transillumination: an in vivo study. BMC Oral Health. 2017;17(1):130. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-017-0421-2.

Comparison of diagnostic methods for early interproximal caries detection with near-infrared light transillumination: an in vivo study

BackgroundAlthough numerous studies have used digital intraoral imaging, only a few studies have used photo-optical methods for the diagnosis of caries. Moreover, several limitations exist in terms of observers (experience and specialty) and the caries lesion itself. Hence, the aims of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic capability of near-infrared light transillumination (NILT) and PSP-Bitewing radiographs and to compare the interobserver and intraobserver differences in addition to observers’ experience level to detect early interproximal caries lesions in vivo.MethodsA total of 52 untreated posterior teeth with and without varying degrees of early interproximal carious lesions were included. Bitewing radiographs using digital phosphor plates (PSP-Bitewing) and NILT were used to clarify the diagnosis. An oral and maxillofacial radiologist and a restorative dentistry consultant evaluated the images twice. A separate appointment for clinical validation and restoration was made. Kappa coefficients were calculated to assess both intraobserver and interobserver agreements for each evaluation method. Scores obtained from PSP-Bitewing and NILT were compared with the clinical validation via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsNo significant differences were found between PSP-Bitewing radiography and NILT for detecting early interproximal carious lesions with high average Az results. Both intraobserver and interobserver agreement values were relatively higher for NILT evaluation. The Az values increased at second evaluations for both caries detection methods.ConclusionsNILT examination has an appropriate sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for detecting early interproximal caries lesions and can be considered as a method of choice for detecting caries without the use of ionizing radiation.

Digital Imaging Capability for Caries Detection: A Meta-analysis.

The objective of this study was to identify the diagnostic capability of photostimulable phosphor plates (PSPs) and direct digital sensors (DDSs) in the detection of interproximal caries. Studies were identified that evaluated the diagnostic capability of PSPs and DDSs in detecting interproximal caries in human teeth, in both dentin and enamel. Histologic sections were the gold standard. This systematic review searched several electronic databases. In addition, Google Scholar and reference lists of the finally included studies were screened. QUADAS-2 was applied to evaluate the risk of bias among included studies. Six studies were finally included; 4 of which were considered homogeneous enough to conduct a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis evaluated 668 interproximal human tooth surfaces. All studies used extracted human teeth ranging from no caries present to caries into dentin. Each tooth was radiographed by both PSP and DDS technologies and then submitted for histologic analysis as the gold standard. Meta-analysis showed that intraoral digital imaging is of high specificity but low sensitivity in the detection of interproximal caries. The sensitivity and specificity for different studies with PSPs varied substantially from 15% to 54% and from 84% to 100%, respectively. Direct sensor analysis sensitivity and specificity ranged from 16% to 56% and from 90% to 100%, respectively. Newer PSP and DDS technologies had statistically significant higher sensitivities, yet the differences in diagnostic capabilities between the older and newer technologies were clinically insignificant. Both digital systems were excellent in identifying surfaces without caries (specificity) but were not sensitive enough to reliably identify interproximal surfaces with caries. Clinicians must therefore remain vigilant in performing a careful clinical examination and other diagnostic tests rather than relying solely on radiographic imaging to diagnose interproximal caries. Knowledge Transfer Statement: This study will help clinicians make an evidence-based decision when deciding which digital radiography system to use when evaluating interproximal caries. Time, patient radiation safety, cost, and image quality are factors to be considered. The performance of the different available digital imaging systems was compared with the current gold standard-a histologic analysis-via meta-analysis.

A comparative study to diagnose the accuracy of E-speed film, complimentary metal oxide semiconductor and storage phosphor systems in the detection of proximal caries: An in vitro study

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Dental caries is one of the most commonly encountered conditions in clinical dentistry and these lesions remain undetected when confined to the vicinity of inter-proximal surfaces. Radiography plays a key role in the detection of inter-proximal caries especially in tight contacts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives:&lt;/strong&gt; The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of E-speed film, complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS) and storage phosphor systems (PSP) in the detection of proximal caries of the posterior teeth.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Conventional films, CMOS and PSP images were used in detecting proximal caries on mesial and distal surfaces of 63 teeth (126 surfaces). Interpretation of all digital and conventional radiographs were performed and reanalyzed by four observers. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using chi square test, weighed kappa statistics and spearman rank correlation coefficient.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The PSP images showed more accurate results in identifying normal tooth, enamel caries, dentinal caries and deep dental caries and kappa statistics had represented almost perfect reading of 0.8 – 0.9 for PSP images whereas CMOS images showed substantial reading of 0.6 – 0.7, and for IOPA images it showed moderate reading of 0.5 – 0.6, which stated that the higher inter-observer agreement was obtained for PSP images when compared with images taken by IOPA and CMOS. The intra-observer reliability by kappa statistics had shown highly significant value (0.82) in the present study.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Conventional films, CMOS and PSP images had shown almost appropriate results in the detection of proximal caries but PSP receptors were better in disclosing the details more accurately in terms of delineating the actual extent of the lesion pertaining to their high resolution capacity and further their flexibility made them easier during handling the radiograph, when compared with that of rigid CMOS receptors.&lt;/p&gt;

Comparison of Diagnostic Ability of Storage Phosphor Plate in Detecting Proximal Caries with Direct Measurement by Stereomicroscope: A Pilot Study.

Radiography plays an important role in detection of interproximal caries. The aim of study is to compare diagnostic ability of photo stimulable phosphor (PSP) with direct measurement using stereomicroscope in detecting proximal caries. Hundred proximal surfaces of 50 extracted human posterior teeth were radiographed with dental X-ray unit. The image receptors used was storage phosphor plate Vista scan (size 2), (time of exposure 0.4 s). Radiographs were interpreted and caries lesions were classified on a 4-point scale suggested by Abesi et al. The teeth were sectioned with diamond disc and were examined under a stereomicroscope with 20x magnification. Diagnostic accuracy of digital image is similar to that observed with stereomicroscope. The PSP plate digital X ray system can effectively be employed for detecting proximal caries as compared to direct observation by stereomicro-scope. Further study with more number of observer/evaluator and large sample size is recommended.

The Effect of Delayed Scaning of Storage Phosphor Plates On Inter Proximal Caries Detection

The Effect of Delayed Scaning of Storage Phosphor Plates On Inter Proximal Caries Detection

Interproximal Caries Detection Ability of Dental Practitioners Using Direct Digital System and Conventional Films

Corresponding Author: Leila Khojastepour Address: No. 232, between Molasadra and Felestin Avenue, Moadel Avenue, Shiraz,Iran Telephone: +989173158331 E-mail: khojastl@sums.ac.ir 1Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medial Science, Shiraz, Iran 2 Dental Practitioner The study aimed to compare the accuracy of proximal caries detection by dental practitioners using two different systems, direct digital system and conventional films, under routine environmental conditions. Materials and methods: Eleven extracted human posterior teeth were mounted on wax frames and were exposed using the direct digital system and conventional films. Seventy-four dental practitioners evaluated these images for proximal caries. No environmental conditions were dictated. The dental practitioners’ evaluations were compared with histopathological sections that were used as the gold standard. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the dental practitioners’ ability to detect caries using the direct digital and conventional systems (P=0.548).No significant differences were found between groups based on the level of the dental practitioners’ work experience (P=0.167). Conclusion: Dental practitioners work well with both direct digital and conventional systems in the diagnosis of proximal caries, although the routine environmental condition is not the ideal one. Further, this ability is so basic that it is not influenced by the level of the dental practitioner’s experience. Therefore, we recommend that digital systems be considered for use in dental offices.

Evaluation of interproximal caries using the IPad 2 and a liquid crystal display monitor

The objective of this study was to compare the detection of interproximal caries in digital intraoral images presented in a 24-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor and the IPad 2. Twenty-seven digital bitewing radiographs of 102 adult teeth were generated by a charge-coupled device sensor and presented to 4 dentists in 2 sessions. The dentists were asked to rate the presence or absence of carious lesions using a 5-point scale. Differences in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were weighted using the Wilcoxon test, and the z test for the receiver operating characteristic curves. For the IPad 2 and LCD monitor, A(z) values were 0.87 and 0.86, respectively. For the tablet, the mean values of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 0.75, 0.86, and 0.83, respectively. For the LCD monitor, these values were 0.77, 0.82, and 0.80, respectively.

Comparison of in vivo effectiveness of Diagnodent with bitewing radiography for detection of interproximal caries: an in vivo study

Comparison of in vivo effectiveness of Diagnodent with bitewing radiography for detection of interproximal caries: an in vivo study