55 - Digital Intraoral Scanning for Caries Detection in Primary Dentition

Abstract:

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intraoral scanners (IOS) in detecting dental caries in primary teeth compared with conventional visual examination using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS).

Methods: A cross-sectional clinical study was conducted involving 36 children aged 3–12 years (20 males, 16 females) with varying caries severity. An average of 13 untreated primary teeth per participant was assessed across occlusal, buccal, and lingual surfaces using both direct visual inspection and indirect digital scanning, yielding a total of 1,478 tooth surface observations. Agreement between the two diagnostic methods was assessed using percent agreement and Cohen’s Kappa statistics, with statistical significance set at α = 0.05.

Results: Overall agreement was 89%, with indirect assessments tending to under-score compared with direct examination. Moderate to substantial agreement was observed (κ = 0.64; weighted κ = 0.74; p = 0.041). When scores were dichotomized as caries versus no caries, agreement increased with higher ICDAS thresholds (92–100%), with sensitivity ranging from 70–87% and specificity from 96–100%.

Conclusion: IOS may serve as a reliable adjunctive tool for caries detection across all stages, enhancing diagnosis and preventive decision-making in pediatric dentistry.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Indiana University School of Dentistry Graduate Student Research Committee