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. 2012 Jul;24(3-4):169-74.
doi: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2012.07.002. Epub 2012 Aug 17.

Comparison between a laser fluorescence device and visual examination in the detection of occlusal caries in children

Chaza Kouchaji  1
Affiliations

Comparison between a laser fluorescence device and visual examination in the detection of occlusal caries in children

Chaza Kouchaji. Saudi Dent J. 2012 Jul.

Abstract

Occlusal surfaces of molars are especially susceptible to the development of caries due to the features, such as pits and deep fissures, of their anatomical structure.

Aim: To evaluate the efficiency of DIAGNOdent laser fluorescence measurements in comparison with visual examination for occlusal caries detection for first permanent molars in children.

Methods: The study involved 156 permanent molar teeth in 40 children aged 7-12 years. A relatively new technology, the fluorescence laser DIAGNOdent pen, was used for detecting and diagnosing caries on the occlusal surfaces of molars. The visual examination of fissures was based on the Ekstrand classification system.

Results: The results showed a strong relationship between examination with the DIAGNOdent and visual inspection. DIAGNOdent's sensitivity and specificity were 97% and 52%, respectively, indicating that the laser fluorescence DIAGNOdent pen is a reproducible and accurate diagnostic tool that may be very helpful in conjunction with visual examination in the detection of occlusal caries in permanent molars in children.

Keywords: Laser fluorescence; Occlusal caries; Visual detection.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Receiver Operating Characteristic curves and Areas Under the Curves.
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