Performance of near-infrared light transillumination in the detection of occlusal caries lesions in deciduous teeth.

Background: This study compared the performance of near-infrared light transillumination (NILT; DIAGNOcam [DC]) in detecting occlusal caries lesions in deciduous molars with the performance of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), digital radiographic method (RX) and laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent pen [LFpen]).

Methods: Fifty-seven extracted deciduous molars with no frank cavitation caries lesions were selected. One site per tooth was evaluated twice each by two examiners using all methods.