Diagonosis of dental caries: A conventional and current perspective

Abstract

The diagnosis of dental caries is a basic skill a dentist must know but it remains difficult to master especially in early stages. Caries diagnosis may be done by visual method, tactile method, raidiography, caries detecting dyes, fiberoptic transillumination method, electronic caries monitor etc. dental caries diagnosis primarily done by detection of white spot, discolouration frank cavitations and making use of explorers to feel the catch. Since a long time, Bitewings are most widely used for assessing caries radiographically. Fiber optic transillumination (FOTI) and digital imaging fiber optic transillumination (DIFOTI) makes use of visible light for caries detection. Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence (QLF) is based on property of natural fluorescence shown by tooth enamel. Electrical conductance technology makes use of the fact that there is a differential conductivity between sounds versus demineralized tooth enamel due to changes in porosity, as saliva soaks into the pores of the demineralized enamel and increases the electrical conductivity of the tooth. Alternating current impedance spectroscopy (Carie Scan) uses multiple electrical frequencies to detect occlusal and smooth surface caries. CAD and PTR/LUM are newer trends being worked upon in the field of dental caries diagnostics. Keywords: Dental Caries, Caries detection methods, Early detection of caries, Fluorescence, Transillumination.