Stephen C Berg1, Jonathan Miles Stahl2, Wen Lien3, Casey M Slack4, Kraig S Vandewalle4. 1. Unit 5071, APO AP 96328, 315-225-8864, 374 Medical Group, Yokota, AB, Japan. 2. Naval Medical Research, Chambers Pass, Bldg 3610, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234, 210-539-7866. 3. Dental Materials Research, USAF Dental Evaluation and Consultation Service, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234, 210-539-7036. 4. 2-yr Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency, 1615 Truemper St, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, Texas 78236, 210-671-9433.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of detecting proximal carious lesions utilizing a new near-infrared transillumination (NIRTI) system (CariVu, Dexis) to traditional digital bitewing radiography (BWXR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients received four posterior BWXRs and all premolars and molars were individually imaged with the NIRTI device. Sixty-seven proximal carious lesions were classified based on their depth into enamel or dentin for both BWXR and NIRTI images. RESULTS: The caries depth classification between the two systems were strongly correlated (rs = 0.66; Spearman range: 0.60-0.79 = strong) and significant (P < .001) with a median score of 3 for NIRTI and 2 for BWXR. CONCLUSIONS: The new NIRTI system (CariVu) may serve as an adjunct to BWXR in the diagnosis of proximal caries. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The NIRTI system could serve as an adjunct diagnostic system that could be used in high-caries risk programs where patients are closely monitored with regimented follow-up appointments. NIRTI could also be beneficial with pregnant or pediatric patients, and in situations where radiography may not be available such as remote humanitarian missions.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of detecting proximal carious lesions utilizing a new near-infrared transillumination (NIRTI) system (CariVu, Dexis) to traditional digital bitewing radiography (BWXR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients received four posterior BWXRs and all premolars and molars were individually imaged with the NIRTI device. Sixty-seven proximal carious lesions were classified based on their depth into enamel or dentin for both BWXR and NIRTI images. RESULTS: The caries depth classification between the two systems were strongly correlated (rs = 0.66; Spearman range: 0.60-0.79 = strong) and significant (P < .001) with a median score of 3 for NIRTI and 2 for BWXR. CONCLUSIONS: The new NIRTI system (CariVu) may serve as an adjunct to BWXR in the diagnosis of proximal caries. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The NIRTI system could serve as an adjunct diagnostic system that could be used in high-caries risk programs where patients are closely monitored with regimented follow-up appointments. NIRTI could also be beneficial with pregnant or pediatric patients, and in situations where radiography may not be available such as remote humanitarian missions.