Clinical examination versus DIAGNOcam™ in the evaluation of pits and fissures of first permanent molars: cross-sectional study in paediatric patients

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ABSTRACT

Aim

This observational study assessed the concordance between clinical examination and DIAGNOcam™ analysis of the occlusal surfaces of first permanent molars in paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of this device to clinical decision-making in cases characterised by treatment uncertainty.

Methods

The first permanent molars of 66 paediatric patients were evaluated during the first dental examination. Each tooth was examined independently by two dentists, experts in paediatric dentistry, the first clinically assessing the teeth through the ICDAS index, and the second using DIAGNOcam™. Teeth were then classified as either “sealable” or “non-sealable”. The results obtained from both examinations were recorded and compared.

Results

A total of 264 first permanent molars were analysed. According to the clinical evaluation, 78% of the examined dental elements were deemed sealable, while 49% of the first molars were deemed sealable using DIAGNOcam™. The concordance between the two evaluations was not significant (Cohen’s kappa = 0.439).

Conclusion

DIAGNOcam™ might be considered a highly effective clinical tool in detecting occlusal demineralisation, although with lower specificity compared to ICDAS. DIAGNOcam™ might therefore integrate but not substitute the clinician’s visual examination.

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