Comparison of Laser fluorescence caries detection in primary molars versus conventional methods

Abstract

The detection of proximal caries enabled the dentists to give preventive advice to parents and children and to avoid the child from aggressive dental treatment and can treat any holes in teeth, before they cause a problem or early loss of their teeth which has a bad effect on their teeth eruption sequence .Sometimes it is difficult for dentists to detect proximal caries lesions because the contact points hamper the direct visual inspection of tooth surfaces and the radiographic method underestimates the actual depth of the lesion and it is unable to show the presence of cavitation. Recently, new technologies have been developed to find more accurate diagnostic method. A pen-type laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent pen) was introduced for the detection of proximal caries lesions. So we wanted to carry out a study to find the best way of detecting tooth decay between first molar teeth in children aged (6 to 8) years. Our study was performed to compare the laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent pen 2019) with the conventional methods regarding their abilityin the diagnosis of proximal caries in the second primary molars. Twenty five healthy children ranging in age between 6 to 8 years were included in this study . Patients served as their own control. They were randomly assigned to diagnose caries using the DIAGNOdent pen and conventional methods in the same visit for the proximal surfaces of the lower second primary molars. Summary and Conclusion -48- Proximal surfaces of both right and left lower primary molars `were diagnosed by DIAGNOdent pen and conventional methods (tactile methods and Bite wing method ) each method recorded according to specific criteria, then caries were removed for every tooth to insure the actual depth of the caries lesion and reach the actual depth of caries lesion. As a whole, the results of our study that the diagnosis of proximl caries by tactile method not enough to find all the tooth proximal caries lesion and the method overcomes some of the limitations of dental radiography such as overlapping. The DIAGNOdent pen can be used as a supplement diagnostic method in proximal caries detection adjunct to conventional methods. Moreover,the method can indicate the relative position of a lesion on a proximalsurfaces, The laser fluorescence device and bite wing radiograph help to improve the accuracy of finding tooth decay, Therefore, during the diagnosing of doubtful cases, it is advisable to use several methods of testing, The LF pen device should be regarded at most as a supplementary aid for detection of caries on proximal surfaces. Summary and Conclusion -49- According to the methodology proposed and based on the results obtained from our study we can conclude