| Introduction |
| A study from the Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network estimated that 2.4 billion of the global population have untreated caries on permanent teeth, and 532 million children have untreated caries on primary teeth. |
| The identification of dental caries, especially at an early stage, allows the preservation of healthy dental hard tissue with early intervention. |
| Digital Diagnostic Aids for Clinical Use: |
| Radiation-Based Diagnostic Aids: |
| Digital radiography has gradually replaced conventional radiography due to its ease of image adjustments, superior image quality, and enhanced diagnostic accuracy. |
| Digital Bitewing Radiography: |
Cone Beam-Computed Tomography (CBCT): |
| Assesses approximal, occlusal, or secondary caries. |
Gives high-resolution images in multiple planes. |
| Detects lesions deeper than 500 µm |
Detects cavitated approximal lesions |
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| Light-Based Diagnostic Aids: |
| Light-based diagnostic aids for detecting carious lesions use various light sources and techniques. These include: |
| Digital Transillumination |
Light-Induced Fluorescence |
Laser-induced fluorescence: |
| Assesses tissue density with carious areas appearing darker |
Uses wavelengths to highlight carious lesions |
Stimulates fluorescence in carious tissues |
| Assesses tissue density, with carious areas appearing darker |
Detects caries on occlusal, buccal/lingual, and proximal areas |
Detects caries on occlusal, smooth, and proximal surfaces |
| Benefits: low radiation, reduced discomfort, and real-time imaging |
Benefits: low radiation, reduced discomfort, real-time imaging, and storage |
Benefits: low radiation, reduced discomfort, and real-time results |
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| Electric-Based Diagnostic Aids: |
| Detect caries by measuring changes in a tooth's electrical properties due to increased porosity in carious tissues, which lowers electrical resistance. These include: |
| Electrical Conductance Measurement |
| lectrical Conductance Measurement |
Alternating Current Impedance Spectroscopy |
| Detects both cavitated and non-cavitated caries on occlusal, proximal, and smooth surfaces |
Gives high-resolution images in multiple planes. |
| Detects lesions deeper than 500 µm |
Uses multiple frequencies to create a spectrum reflecting a tooth’s physical and chemical properties. A sensor brush provides readings and a color-coded indication of caries probability, enabling early caries detection. |
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| Ultrasound-Based Diagnostic Aids: |
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Detect caries by analyzing the conductivity of ultrasonic waves through dental tissue distinguishing sound from demineralized areas. |
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Uses an ultrasonic probe that can be angled to detect caries, especially in approximal areas. |
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Advantages: high penetration, non-toxicity, and applicability without direct contact with the lesion. |
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| Conclusion: |
| The advancement of diagnostic technologies has revolutionized the detection and assessment of dental caries, offering more accurate, non-invasive, and real-time methods compared to traditional techniques. While no single method is flawless, the integration of these cutting-edge technologies holds great promise for enhancing early detection, improving treatment outcomes, and reducing unnecessary procedures. |
