Performance Of Laser Fluorescence Device Research Articles

Influence of cross-infection control methods on performance of pen-type laser fluorescence in detecting occlusal caries lesions in primary teeth

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the influence of cross-infection control methods, as probe tip autoclaving and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) wrapping, on the performance of laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent pen--LFpen) on occlusal surfaces of primary molars. One experienced examiner carried out all examinations (n = 78). For the probe tip autoclaving study, 62 sites (sample A, 40 teeth) were used. The sites were assessed with LFpen using tips in six different conditions: without autoclaving and after autoclaving for 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cycles of 10 min. For the PVC wrapping study, we selected other 58 sites (sample B, 38 teeth). The sites were assessed with the LFpen device in two conditions: with and without PVC wrapping. The teeth were sectioned and histologically assessed for caries depth. LFpen values, sensitivity, and specificity were compared among the different conditions. The LF readings were slightly higher after successive examinations, independently of autoclaving. In both studies, no statistical differences in the sensitivity and specificity were observed for all conditions. In conclusion, probe tip autoclaving and PVC wrapping do not influence the performance of LFpen device on occlusal surfaces of primary molars.

Clinical performance of a new laser fluorescence device for detection of occlusal caries lesions in permanent molars

Objectives To determine the clinical performance of a laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent pen, KaVo) to discriminate between different occlusal caries depths (D 0–D 1–4; D 0–2–D 3,4) in permanent molars. Methods In this prospective, randomized two-centre-study 120 sound/uncavitated carious sites in 120 patients were measured after visual and radiographic caries assessment. In cases of operative intervention ( n = 86), the lesion depths after caries removal were recorded (reference). In cases of preventive intervention ( n = 34), the sites were reassessed visually/radiographically after 12 months to verify the status assessed before (reference). The discrimination performance was determined statistically (Mann–Whitney test, Spearman’s rho coefficient, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs)). Sensitivities (SE) and specificities (SP) were plotted as a function of the measured values and cut-off values for the mentioned thresholds suggested. Results Sound sites ( n = 13) had significantly minor fluorescence values than carious sites ( n = 107) ( P < 0.0001) as had sites with no/enamel caries ( n = 63) compared to dentinal caries ( n = 57). The AUCs for the same discriminations were 0.92 and 0.78 ( P < 0.001). For the D 0–D 1–4 threshold, a cut-off at a value of 12 (SE: 0.88, SP: 0.85) and for the D 0–2–D 3,4 threshold at 25 (SE: 0.67, SP: 0.79) can be suggested. A moderate positive correlation between the measurements and the caries depths was calculated (rho = +0.57, P = 0.01). Conclusion Within this study, the device’s discrimination performance for different caries depths was moderate to very good and it may be recommended as adjunct tool in the diagnosis of occlusal caries.

The influence of pvc seal wrap and probe tips autoclaving on the in vitro performance of laser fluorescence device in occlusal caries in primary teeth

The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of a PVC Seal Wrap as barrier protection and the influence of autoclaving on the in vitro performance of a laser fluorescence device in detecting occlusal caries lesions in primary teeth. The clinical significance of the experiment is to create a protocol to avoid the possibility of underestimating caries in clinical setting.