In-Vivo Performance of the CarieScan Pro Device for Detection of Occlusal Dentine Lesions

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-vivo performance of the CarieScan Pro (CS) device based on AC Impedance Spectroscopy technology (ACIST) on occlusal surfaces. Subjects and Methods: The ethics committee approved the study and the participants gave informed consent. The study included 144 unrestored permanent molars from 24 patients. The occlusal surfaces of the teeth were examined visually using ICDAS criteria. Then CarieScan measurements were performed. The actual depth of the lesions was assessed using radiographs and/or clinically by opening the lesion when appropriate. Correlation between all methods was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs). Sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) were calculated at the D3- (dentine caries) diagnostic threshold and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was assessed. Results: Significant positive correlation was found between ICDAS, CS measurements and the reference standard (rs 0.37–0.72, P<0.0001). The AUC for ICDAS and CS were 0.93 and 0.84, respectively. Sensitivity/specificity for ICDAS and CS were 72.0%/96.6% and 68.0%/90.8%, respectively. Comparison of the ROC curves showed no significant difference between the ICDAS and CarieScan Pro performance (P = 0.129). Conclusion: Both methods showed good diagnostic performance in detection of dentine caries on occlusal surfaces.