Visual-tactile examination compared with conventional radiography, digital radiography, and Diagnodent in the diagnosis of occlusal occult caries in extracted premolars.

Purpose: This laboratory study compared visual-tactile examination with conventional radiographs, digital radiographs, and laser fluorescence in the detection of occlusal occult caries on extracted premolar teeth.

Methods: Extracted premolars without obvious caries or restorations were collected from school dental clinics. Occlusal surfaces of 320 extracted premolars were examined visually with an explorer, then examined using the KaVo Diagnodent unit and scored using specific criteria.