Clinical Analysis of the Diagnostic Accuracy and Time of Execution of a Transillumination Caries Detection Method Compared to Bitewing Radiographs.

Purposes: this clinical study evaluated the accuracy and execution time of a digital imaging fiber-optic transillumination (DIFOTI) technique for the detection of approximal caries in posterior teeth compared to intra-oral examination associated with bitewing radiographs.

Methods: one hundred patients were selected and submitted to clinical inspection and bitewing radiographs. The outcomes of this process were converted into scores, according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS): 0-sound tooth; 1, 2, and 3-carious lesion confined within enamel; 4, 5, and 6-dentin carious lesion.