Caries detection with DIAGNOdent and ultrasound

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the repeatability of 2 nondestructive caries detection methods, ultrasound (ULS) and DIAGNOdent, for the detection of approximal caries lesions, and to evaluate 2 tips provided for the DIAGNOdent.Study designWhite/brown-spot lesions (n = 42) were captured by a digital camera, and measured by test methods and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Intra- and inter-observer reliability, accuracy, and Cohen's kappa and Spearman's rho statistics were used.ResultsAt DIAGNOdent, intra-observer agreements were 78.5%, 66.7% for A tip and 59.5%, 47.6% for B for 2 examiners, respectively. Accuracy of both tips was 50% for the first examiner; 45.3% for A and 47.6% for the B tip for the second examiner. All ULS measurements were accurate, reliable, and positively and significantly correlated between examiners.ConclusionThe A tip of the DIAGNOdent was found to be better than the B tip for the detection of enamel caries. All DIAGNOdent and ULS measurements were positive and significantly correlated for both examiners. Both methods demonstrated high repeatability and accuracy.