Accuracy of VistaCam iX Proxi’s Infrared Waves and DIAGNOdent for Detection of Proximal Caries

Considering the significance of early detection of caries and determining the extent of carious lesions for appropriate treatment planning, as well as introduction of new diagnostic tools, this study aimed to compare VistaCam iX (850 nm infrared), and DIAGNOdent (655 nm) for detection of proximal caries in posterior teeth.

This in vitro study was performed on 40 extracted sound posterior teeth. VistaCam and DIAGNOdent examinations were performed. The teeth were sectioned for histopathological examination under a stereomicroscope to determine the presence/absence of caries and extent of carious lesion, if any (to serve as the gold-standard). Data were analyzed with the Cohen’s kappa statistic, and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test.

The specificity of VistaCam iX and DIAGNOdent was 71.4% and 42.8%, respectively. Their sensitivity was 100% and 40% for enamel caries, and 92.8% and 53.5% for dentin caries, respectively (P=0.048). The specificity and sensitivity of DIAGNOdent were higher, and it had lower rate of false positive and false negative results.

Considering the higher sensitivity and significantly lower rate of false negative results of VistaCam iX for detection of proximal caries, it may be recommended as an efficient tool for caries detection