Caries diagnosis using a laser fluorescence system--observation of autofluorescence of dental caries--.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of autofluorescence of carious lesions on caries diagnosis. The observation of the micromorophology of caries lesions was conducted using a confocal laser scanning microscope, a fluorescence microscope and a WDX type electron probe X-ray microanalyzer. Observation of autofluorescence under Cy5 and UV fields showed clearly specific images of autofluorescence in the carious lesion. However, observation of autofluorescence under FITC field showed images of autofluorescence with unclear boundaries in the carious lesion. EPMA images showed decreases in Ca and P in the carious areas. As a result of the observation of autofluorescence and the EPMA images in the carious lesion, a correlation was noted between autofluorescence under the Cy5 field as the laser fluorescence apparatus for caries diagnosis and demineralized areas. The usefulness of autofluorescence of carious lesion on caries diagnosis was suggested.