In vivo performance of a laser fluorescence device for the approximal detection of caries in permanent molars

Objectives m of this randomised clinical trial was to investigate if a laser fluorescence device is able to discriminate between sound and carious approximal sites and between enamel and dentinal lesions, as well as to find appropriate cut-off values. s ndred and seventeen sound or uncavitated carious sites in permanent molars were visually and radiographically examined, then either opened or not, after which their laser fluorescence was measured. Forty-three lesions were opened, the caries removed and the clinically identified caries depths were registered in addition to the radiographical scoring. Seventy-four sites were radiographically deemed sound or had enamel caries and were not opened. Here, the radiographical scorings were registered. s the radiographic scoring as gold standard for all investigated approximal sites, sound sites (D0, n = 40) showed significantly lower laser fluorescence measurements than carious sites (D1–4, n = 77) (Mann–Whitney test, P < 0.025) suggesting a cut-off at 7 (sensitivity = 0.68, specificity = 0.7). Comparing measurements of D0–2 (n = 74) and D3,4 (n = 43), the results were also different by a statistically significant amount (P < 0.025) and the cut-off calculated to be 16 (sensitivity = 0.6, specificity = 0.84). A fair positive correlation between laser fluorescence values and radiographical scoring was found (rho = +0.47, P < 0.01). Analysing the 43 opened lesions with their clinically found lesion depths as gold standard, there was a fair positive correlation to the laser fluorescence values (rho = +0.34, P = 0.03) and a moderately strong correlation to the radiographic scoring (rho = +0.67, P < 0.01). sion vice may be an adjunct tool in the approximal detection of caries along with established procedures.