As a new emerging technology for the diagnosis of dental caries, near-infrared imaging requires further research and validation to determine its effectiveness. This study aims to compare near-infrared imaging with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to validate the efficiency of near-infrared imaging in diagnosing proximal caries using large-scale clinical data through retrospective cross-sectional studies.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
120
The patients underwent intraoral scanning using an iTero Element 5D imaging system (Align Technology, San Jose, CA, USA). This imaging system uses near-infrared light with a wavelength of 850 nm and provides multiple layers of data in a single scan, including a three-dimensional (3D) model, two-dimensional (2D) color images, and NIRI mapped to the 3D model
Under illumination in the dental unit, a UVE of the proximal surfaces of the patient's entire dentition was conducted by clinicians using a mouth mirror, dental probe, and an air-water syringe. Visual and tactile methods were performed according to the guidelines of the American Dental Association. Clinicians assessed the soundness of the proximal surfaces based on the presence of discoloration, surface alterations, or cavitation.
West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University
Chengdu, Sichuan, China
RECRUITINGpositive percent agreement
Using CBCT as the reference test, positive percent agreement of NIRI, UVE, and a combination of the two index tests in parallel (PAR) for the detection of proximal caries at different depths and in different tooth locations was evaluated.
Time frame: After the interpretation of CBCT, NIRI, and UVE, an average of 10 months.
negative percent agreement
Using CBCT as the reference test, negative percent agreement of NIRI, UVE, and a combination of the two index tests in parallel (PAR) for the detection of proximal caries at different depths and in different tooth locations was evaluated.
Time frame: After the interpretation of CBCT, NIRI, and UVE, an average of 10 months.
overall percent agreement
Using CBCT as the reference test, overall percent agreement of NIRI, UVE, and a combination of the two index tests in parallel (PAR) for the detection of proximal caries at different depths and in different tooth locations was evaluated.
Time frame: After the interpretation of CBCT, NIRI, and UVE, an average of 10 months.
Proximal caries positive site diagnosed by CBCT
Diagnosis of of carious proximal tooth surfaces identified through CBCT. Specifically, the cross-sectional view showing the deepest caries involvement was used for International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) scoring and was categorized into shallow caries, moderate caries (ICDAS 1-2), and deep caries (ICDAS 3-6).
Time frame: Immediately following CBCT image interpretation.
Proximal caries positive site diagnosed by near-infrared imaging (NIRI)
Owing to the challenges in applying ICDAS scoring for proximal caries detected using NIRI, the classification was either positive (manifest as bright areas) or negative.
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All enrolled patients underwent CBCT scans because clear aligner treatment required real root/bone visualization features. We would like to clarify that due to the retrospective cross-sectional nature of this study, the patients involved were not subjected to radiation beyond what was initially necessary for their orthodontic treatment.
Time frame: Immediately following NIRI image interpretation.
Proximal caries positive site diagnosed by unaided visual examination (UVE)
Under illumination in the dental unit, a UVE of the proximal surfaces of the patient's entire dentition was conducted by senior orthodontists using a mouth mirror, dental probe, and an air-water syringe. Visual and tactile methods were performed according to the guidelines of the American Dental Association. Owing to the challenges in applying ICDAS scoring for proximal caries detected using UVE, the classification was either positive (presence of discoloration, surface alterations, or cavitation) or negative.
Time frame: Immediately following clinical oral examination.