A Comparative in Vitro Study to Diagnose Decayed Dental Tissue Using Different Methods

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare diagnoses of decayed dental tissue (occlusal) using five different methods in vitro.

Background Data: Previous studies have showed occlusal surface caries are very difficult to diagnose at early stages. Early carious lesions detection through conventional diagnosis methods, including radiographic, visual and tactile exams, is questionable because they can end up with a risk of a false-positive or false-negative diagnosis.

Materials And Methods: We used 22 teeth in vitro, premolars and molars, which suggested carious lesions. Three calibrated examiners using pre-determined scores made the exams. The methods used were GI, visual inspection; GII, tactile inspection (explorer probe); GIII, conventional radiographic exam; GIV, digital radiographic exam (Digora for Windows 1.51 and 1.51N, SoredexOrion Co.); GV, low-intensity laser for diagnosis (DIAGNOdent, KaVo, Germany); and GVI, histological inspection. The examiners did not communicate among themselves during the exams.

Results: There was significant statistical difference among the evaluated methods. Under the Friedman statistical test, GI, GIII, and GIV were different from GV at the 0.1% level. Comparing GII with GV, we observed statistical difference at the 1% level.

Conclusion: GV was highly statistically different from the others groups, even when compared with GVI, which means that dentists must use every method they can get to avoid a false-negative diagnosis.