Innovative technology for caries detection and validation histologically to support restorative dentists and researchers' decision-making in vitro

Background and Aim: The most common gold standard used for caries research is a histological evaluation of dental hard tissues. Intraoral camera (quantitative light-induced fluorescence [QLF]) is one of the newer technologies. It is one way of assessing light interactions with dental tissues that require measuring and recording of emitted light and evaluate the quantity of mineral loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate, validate, and utilize this intraoral device to identify more efficient and objective procedures for the histological examination and diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted human teeth (n = 50), covering various caries' lesions range, were collected. Radiograph was taken, and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II was used. Each tooth was sectioned into halves which was examined with a stereomicroscope and scored using a five-point ranked histological scoring system. Image of each half was then taken by digital microscopy camera. Then, two halves were imaged and analyzed using QLF camera. Results: Average fluorescence loss (ΔF) correlated positively with histology. The correlation was 0.781 and significant at the 1% level. QLF images provide a superior picture regarding caries progression into dental tissues with advantages of enhanced visual appearance. It is clear to differentiate whether the lesion is limited to enamel or extends into dentine and the degree of proximity to pulp. In some images, red fluorescence observed which might indicate bacterial invasion. Conclusion: QLF is a useful instrument to support the level of dental caries involvement into histological sections of dental tissue, and hence, it will help in clinical diagnosis. Moreover, it can be used as an educational tool for undergraduate dental students as well as in future research