Detection of proximal dental caries in primary teeth with a near-infrared-irradiation-assisted intraoral scanner: an in vitro study.

Abstract

Background: The early detection of dental caries is crucial for successful dental care. New intraoral scanners using near-infrared irradiation (NIRI) technology track preventive lesions without ionizing radiation. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of intraoral scanners (IOSs) in detecting proximal caries in primary posterior teeth, compared to conventional methods such as loupes-assisted clinical exams and bitewing (BW) radiography.

Methods: Fifteen examined tooth surfaces were used to produce a total of 60 scores by a restorative dentistry consultant (RDC). The tooth surfaces were categorized into caries-free (n = 5 × 4 exam methods) and carious (n = 10 × 4 exam methods) subgroups. Artificial caries lesions were created on specified surfaces and mounted on typodont in sets for evaluation using a simplified modified ICDAS visual and BW radiographic examination, DIAGNOcam device, and iTero Element 5D NIRI-assisted IOS. Reference surface scores were recorded. Investigators (RDCs and recent dental graduates (RDGs)) were trained and calibrated. Inter-examiner agreement, agreement with reference, specificity, and sensitivity were checked.

Results: The results showed that the sensitivity and specificity differed between the diagnostic tests. The best agreement of all investigated diagnostic methods with the reference was found using the DIAGNOcam device (ĸ = 0.87) and BW radiography (ĸ = 1.00). High agreement was found for visual examination (by the RDC and RDGs (ĸ ≈ 0.85)) and iTero 5D examination (ĸ = 0.87).

Conclusions: The iTero Element 5D IOS had lower sensitivity and specificity compared to other methods. The potential use of IOSs with NIRI as a substitute for conventional diagnostic methods in primary teeth shows promise but requires further investigation.