VISUAL�TACTILE EXAMINATION, DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY AND LASER FLUORESCENCE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF OCCLUSAL CARIES OF PERMANENT MOLARS: A CLINICAL STUDY

Mithra N. Hegde; Vandana Sadananda; Blessen Mathews

Volume : VII, Issue : II, February - 2017

VISUAL�TACTILE EXAMINATION, DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY AND LASER FLUORESCENCE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF OCCLUSAL CARIES OF PERMANENT MOLARS: A CLINICAL STUDY

Mithra N. Hegde, Vandana Sadananda, Blessen Mathews

Abstract :

An in vivo investigative study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of laser fluorescence device in comparison with visual tactile examination and digital radiographic examination for occlusal caries detection. The sample size comprised of 100 occlusal surfaces from patients aged between 18 and 30 years visiting the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at A. B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Nitte University, Deralakatte, Mangaluru. The laser fluorescence device was utilized for detecting and diagnosing caries on the occlusal surfaces of molars. Visual and tactile examination and radiographic examination were based on the Ekstrand classification system. Correlation was observed between the visual tactile examination and digital radiographic examination and were in tandem, however no significant statistical difference was observed, whereas when the results of the laser fluorescence was compared to the other examination methods significant statistical difference was seen.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that the laser fluorescence device met most of the qualities expected of a technology to aid in caries detection and diagnosis. Thus it can be considered as a valuable adjunct to visual–tactile examination and digital radiographic examination.