• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.207-220
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• 2006

The newly developed equipments for the early detection of carious lesion are LFD (laser fluorescence device), Ultrasonic diagnostic system, CLSM(confocal laser scanning microscopy), QLF(quantitative light-induced fluorescence) and DIFOTI (digital imaging fiber-optic trans-illumination) system. In this study, DIFOTI system and LFD were used for the detection of early enamel caries. Twenty five primary teeth extracted from twenty one children at around the dentitional exchanging period were selected as samples. The results obtained from DIFOTI imaging and LFD measurement were compared with those of CLSM and comprehensive evaluations were made for the diagnostic capacity of each device. In vitro test, 40 sample teeth with their buccal & lingual surface formed by a window of $2{\times}3mm$ in diameter were immersed in artificial demineralizing solution for the period of 4, 8, 12 and 16 days. The results obtained from the experimental groups (DIFOTI, LFD) were compared to control group (CLSM) and we have reached to the following conclusions. 1. The sensitivity and specificity of DIFOTI system operated in oral environment was 88.2% and 76.9% respectively. 2. The sensitivity and specificity of LFD measured in oral environment was 76.5% and 69.2% respectively. 3, Regression analysis on the light transparent rate of DIFOTI showed its decrease according to the length of primary enamel decalcification performed in vitro(r=-0.96, p<0.05). 4. No statistically significant difference between LFT measurement and the length of in vitro decalcification was found in regression analysis (p>0.05). 5. The correlation coefficient of DIFOTI image transparent rate and the lesion depth of CLMS was -0.6988 (p<0.05), whereas no statistically significant difference was found for LFD measurement.