Effectiveness of laser fluorescence-based device in detecting the extent of re-mineralisation in primary teeth compared to the conventional method: An In vitro study

Abstract

Background: Laser fluorescence (LF)-based clinical device DIAGNOdent™ is at present being used to detect caries. Can the same be used to detect therapeutic remineralisation of early white spot lesions?

Aims: To explore the feasibility of using LF-based device in monitoring the changes following remineralisation of demineralised primary teeth.

Materials and method: The sample number for the present experimental in vitro study was 10. The LF based device readings were correlated with surface microhardness (SMH) test values to evaluate its efficiency. SMH analysis was performed using a microhardness tester (Tescol-HT1000AD). All the samples were demineralised, followed by remineralisation using fluoride varnish and pH cycling. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 (IBM SPSS®) software. Paired t-test was performed to compare laser fluorescence readings and SMH test result values at baseline, after demineralisation, and after remineralisation. Pearson's correlation was used to compare the relation between the laser fluorescence and SMH test.

Results: A good negative correlation was seen between the two methods at the baseline readings even though it was not statistically significant (P = 0.069). A positive correlation between the methods existed following demineralisation which was not significant (P = 0.074). The correlation between the parameters following remineralisation showed a moderate negative correlation but was not significant (P = 0.55).

Conclusion: DIAGNOdent™ values at baseline, after demineralisation, and after remineralisation was consistent with SMH values. Thus, DIAGNOdent™ can be explored to provide chairside assistance in identifying remineralisation of white spot lesions.

Keywords: Laser fluorescence; remineralization; surface hardness; white spot lesion.