Reliability of electronically detection of fissure caries (by using a prototype device): An alternative diagnostic electronic caries monitor device

Objective: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the reliability of a prototype electronic caries monitor (ECM) for diagnosis of the dental caries on the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth and to compare using histological examination as gold standard. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from 93 occlusal sites of 33 extracted human molars. Electrical resistance to alternative currency of 21 Hz and 24 Vpp of the teeth was measured with the ECM, which produced in Selcuk University. After obtaining electrical conductance values, each tooth was then sectioned into two pieces mesiodistally and examined histologically for occlusal caries under the stereomicroscope. Statistical evaluations were made using Pearson correlation test. Results: A statistically significant negative correlation was found between electrical resistance of the teeth and occlusal caries presence ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: As a result, it is suggested that ECM is a nondestructive and suitable method at detection of occlusal caries.