Andrei Georgescu, Simona Stoleriu, Gianina Iovan, Claudiu Topoliceanu, Sorin Andrian
The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of different cleaning methods of occlusal dental surfaces on the values recorded with DIAGNOdent. A number of 78 pits from 42 molars and bicusps occlusal surfaces were analysed using visual method. The cleaning of dental units was then performed using prophylactic paste Detartrine (Septodont) and rotary brush. The occlusal surfaces were assessed using DIAGNOdent. After a new cleaning of residual paste using rotary brush, the occlusal surfaces were submitted to cleaning using water/air abrasion with Prophyjet (Dentsply DETREI) and the assessment with DIAGNOdent was repeated. After the visual and laser fluorescence examination, teeth were extracted. The teeth were cut, polished and a single examiner has assessed the slices using a stereomicroscope Neophot 21. The carious lesions were classified according the 5 scores in clinical and histological examination and 4 classes in DIAGNOdent examination. The values recorded using DIAGNOdent were both influenced by tooth brushing using professional cleaning paste and water/air abrasion method. The cleaning method using toothpastes determined the highest differences on the occlusal surfaces presenting incipient enamel carious lesions. The sensitivity and specificity of laser fluorescence diagnostic method were not influenced by any cleaning method used for the removal of external organic debris.