Recent Diagnostic Methods for Dental Caries: An Update

Caries process is dynamic, with demineralization and remineralization occurring overtime such that the net balance of these events determines whether a lesion ever progresses to the stage where it can be seen as a white spot/detected by other means. The changing nature of the disease process has therefore accentuated the need for more precise detection methods. Unfortunately, because of the nature of disease process in the past, the conventional diagnostic methods have limitations due to which the dynamic nature of lesion is not measured. Several methods have been employed for caries diagnosis. Using a sharp tool known as an explorer may no longer be appropriate since slower disease progression means that an explorer may cause additional damage to tooth enamel that otherwise might have healed itself. False-negative diagnoses may be more common since the slower nature of the disease changes traditional visual and tactile indicators. The development of more accurate diagnostic techniques based on digital radiography, electrical resistance measurement, fiber-optic Transillumination, laser, optical coherence, ultrasound, nanorobotics may aid dental clinicians in identifying the more subtle changes found in carious lesions. The ultimate goal of any caries detecting diagnostic tool is to improve both the sensitivity and specificity level. If disease can be detected before cavitations occur, preventive therapy may avoid the need for any.unnecessary operatory intervention. This would be stepping stone towards a more conservative and minimally invasive treatment approach.