Diagnosis and Detection of Dental Caries

Visual Inspection

Uses good lighting, air drying, and magnification to detect white spot lesions,

discoloration, or cavitations.

ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System)

provides a

standardized way to classify caries severity.

Tactile Examination (Dental Explorer/Probe)

Gentle probing helps identify softened enamel or dentin.

• Sharp explorers can cause cavitation in early lesions, so they are used

cautiously.

Bitewing Radiographs (Most common)

Best for detecting interproximal (between teeth) and occlusal caries.

Bitewing Radiographs (Most common)

Can show early enamel demineralization and dentin involvement.

Periapical Radiographs

Useful for detecting deep caries, periapical pathology, and root caries.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

High-resolution 3D imaging, mainly used for complex cases involving pulpal

or periapical involvement.

Laser Fluorescence (DIAGNO

dent)

• Uses fluorescent light reflection

to detect early caries.

• Measures numerical values

indicating lesion severity.

• Non-invasive and highly

sensitive.

• Limitations: Cannot differentiate

between staining and caries

FOTI (Fiber-Optic

Transillumination)

Uses light transmission through

the tooth to reveal demineralized

areas

Quantitative Light-Induced

Fluorescence (QLF)

Uses blue-green light to

detect mineral loss.

Helps monitor early caries

progression and

remineralization therapy

Electrical Conductance

Measurement (ECM)

Measures electrical

resistance of enamel

(demineralized enamel has

lower resistance).

Useful for detecting

subsurface lesions

Cario gram

Computer-based model that

predicts caries risk and

suggests preventive

measures

CAMBRA (Caries

Management by Risk

Assessment)

• Identifies high-risk

patients based on:

• Bacterial load (S.

mutans and

Lactobacillus tests)

• Dietary habits

• Fluoride exposure

• Salivary flow rate