Use Of Digital Diagnostic Aids For Caries Detection

Abstract

Objectives: The advance in digital diagnostic techniques has significantly facilitated detection for dental caries in recent years. This review aims to summarize the available digital diagnostic aids for the detection of early dental caries. Methods A search using the keywords ((Early caries) OR (Initial caries)) AND (Digital OR light OR laser OR Fluorescence OR Transillumination) AND (Detection OR Assessment OR Diagnosis) was conducted in Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies using digital aids for the detection and assessment of early caries were included in this review for further analysis. Results These techniques can be classified as novel digital diagnostic approaches and digitalization of traditional diagnostic approaches. Novel digital diagnostic approaches include laser fluorescence, quantitative light-induced fluorescence and electrical caries measurements. Digitalization of traditional diagnostic approaches include digital imaging fibre-optic transillumination, artificial intelligence technology on radiograph interpretation and subtraction radiography. The devices of laser fluorescence emit laser and detect the back-scattered fluorescence from fluorophores of bacteria in caries lesion. The quantitative light-induced fluorescence detects loss of auto-fluorescence of demineralized dental hard tissue. The electrical caries measurements evaluate the electrical conductance or electrical impedance of enamel and dentine. They can detect enamel lesions with a high pore volume. Digital imaging fibre-optic transillumination detects and quantified the “shadows” associated with the presence of dental caries. Artificial intelligence technology facilitates caries detection in periapical radiographs. The subtraction radiography provides information on change of caries lesion over time and can be used to monitoring caries lesion over time. Conclusion The digital diagnostic aids are easy to use and show great ability in detecting dental caries. However, not all of them perform satisfactory in detecting early dental caries. Further in vivo studies are needed to validated digital diagnostic aids.